The latest updates put the storm death toll at 247

.

"TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The death toll from severe storms that punished five Southern U.S. states jumped to a staggering 178 after Alabama canvassed its hard-hit counties for a new tally of lives lost.

Alabama's state emergency management agency said early Thursday it had confirmed 128 deaths, up from at least 61 earlier.

"We expect that toll, unfortunately, to rise," Gov. Robert Bentley told ABC's "Good Morning America." "

The Associated Press had the story April 28, 2011.
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SEE ALSO:

"Storm Death Toll Climbs With Va., Tenn. Deaths" (Atlanta Journal Constitution) [3]