By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather staff writer
President Donald Trump visited tornado-battered regions of Alabama Friday, five days after the 23 people were killed in one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in years.
“We saw things that you wouldn’t believe,” Trump said on Friday after surveying some of the tornado in Alabama himself.
Trump announced his plans to visit the state earlier this week, and told the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give the "A Plus treatment" to those affected.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump view memorial crosses for the 23 people killed in the Alabama tornadoes.
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FEMA has been told directly by me to give the A Plus treatment to the Great State of Alabama and the wonderful people who have been so devastated by the Tornadoes. @GovernorKayIvey, one of the best in our Country, has been so informed. She is working closely with FEMA (and me!).
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Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Alabama on Tuesday, according to FEMA.
"The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Lee County," FEMA stated. "Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Nearly 40 tornadoes have been confirmed from Sunday's outbreak across the Southeast. The hardest-hit area was Lee County, Alabama, where the fatalities occurred.
The most powerful tornado was an EF4, which unleashed winds up to 170 mph, pummeling communities such as Beauregard and Smiths Station. It was the first EF4 tornado to occur in the United States since since April 29, 2017.
Over 100 people were injured across the Southeast.
It was the deadliest tornado outbreak since the May 2013 Moore, Oklahoma, tornado left 24 dead. The 23 deaths are more than double the total of 10 tornado fatalities in the U.S. for all of 2018.
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Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday, March 10 in memory of the victims.
Ivey said on Twitter Friday morning that she was "looking forward" to having the president and First Lady Melania Trump visit.
The risk of damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes will return to the southern United States this weekend, followed by another chance for storms during the first part of next week.
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