At least 27 dead as tornadoes, storms batter states from the Heartland to the East Coast

Eliminating FEMA would be a man-made disaster; we need FEMA to help us address natural disasters. Let’s work together to improve FEMA so we are ready for future disasters.— A spokesperson for North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D), emphasizing the need for FEMA.

This is a devastating reminder of nature's force. We urge everyone to exercise extra caution in areas prone to flooding.— Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement.

It is the first significant tornado of this season.

— Marcus Beyer, tornado expert from the DWD, regarding the significance of the tornado in the current season.

I had never been afraid before – but in that moment, I thought the plane was going to break apart or roll over!— A passenger reported to the 'Bild' newspaper about his experiences during the turbulence.

Suffice to say, disaster response is no joke. If you don’t know what or when hurricane season is, you’re not qualified to run FEMA.— Representative Bennie Thompson, the senior Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, issued this statement following Richardson's comments.

There's been a lot of chaos and illegal firings, coercions to resign, really, an obsession with destroying the morale of the employees at the Weather Service, and why we would do this so that we cannot get the public prepared for disaster is something that is mysterious indeed.— Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a Democrat from California and ranking member of her party on the Science, Space and Technology Committee, speaks about the situation at the Weather Service.

Several trees have fallen.

— A police spokesperson regarding the impact of the storm.