Storms Kills 45 as GOP, White House, Cut Weather Service Funds

"At least 45 people have been confirmed dead after a furious storm that has reportedly spawned over 100 tornadoes during the past week tore through the Midwest and moved on to southern states, ravaging parts of North Carolina and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, according to the Associated Press.

Rescue workers are searching for victims across hard-hit areas of North Carolina, where ten people were confirmed dead in Bertie County, according to county manager Zee Lamb.

People in large patches of the Midwest and the South had to contend with flash floods and hail the size of softballs as the storm that has been described as "hell on earth" pushed through their communities.

In Raleigh, N.C., apartment buildings had entire roofs torn off while three family members died in a mobile home park, according to Wake County spokeswoman Sarah Willamson-Baker.  "

Kevin Dolak, Enjoli Francis, and Ryan Creed report for ABC News April 17, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Tornado Cuts Power to Surry Nuclear Plant" (Williamsburg Yorktown Daily)

"NOAA Warns Weather Forecasts Will Suffer From Budget Cuts" (Capital Weather Gang/Washington Post)

"Texas Wildfires Kill Firefighter, Destroy Homes" (AP)

"Federal Budget Cuts Could Leave National Weather Service Damaged " (WDTV 5 News, Bridgeport, WV)

"Drought Grows More Dire In Southwest, Farms Hit" (Reuters)

"Budget Cuts Cut Weather Data" (Atlanta Weather Examiner)

"In Budget’s Fine Print, Real and Illusory Cuts" (New York Times)

"Budget Axes NOAA's Climate Service" (Mother Jones)