22 Victims Recorded In Nashville's Tornado

Tornadoes gashed through middle Tennessee early Tuesday, with the worst damage concentrated in and around Nashville. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency says at least 22 people were killed across four counties, and there are fears the death toll could climb as first responders continue to search for victims.

A state of emergency remains in effect across Tennessee. Officials say dozens of buildings across the area have collapsed and some 48,000 Nashville Electric customers are without power.

President Trump tweeted Tuesday: "The Federal Government is with you all of the way during this difficult time."

At an appearance at the National Association of Counties in Washington, D.C., the president added: "Our hearts are full of sorrow for the lives that were lost."

He said he would be traveling to the area on Friday.

At a Tuesday morning press conference, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said the deaths were "heartbreaking."

"We have had loss of life all across the state," he said. "Four different counties, as of this morning, had confirmed fatalities — in Benton County, Putnam County, Wilson County, Davidson County."

The highest number of fatalities occurred in Putnam County, with 16 reported, according to officials.