New York

The mid-section of the United States encountered tornados which killed dozens of people, damaged property and, in at least two cases, destroyed churches.

At least 46 people were killed in incidents related to weather during the week that began on May 4 and more than 300 tornadoes were reported in the first 11 days of May, the Associated Press reported.

In western Tennessee, a storm on May 4 that killed at least 15 people also destroyed one of the state's oldest churches, the Episcopal church reported.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Jackson, Tenn., will be rebuilt, vowed church members following a tornado clocked at more than 205 miles per hour (330 km/h).

"Other churches have gone through similar disasters and rebuilt. I know we'll do the same," said the Rev. Chuck Filiatreau, quoted in the Tennessean newspaper and the Episcopal News Service.