Tornadoes and high winds slashed paths of destruction Nov. 21-23 through 11 states in the southern and northeast portions of the United States, leaving 25 dead, hundreds injured, and scores of homes and businesses destroyed.

      No LDS members in the areas affected were reported killed in the storms, but several suffered injuries, mostly minor. In addition, several LDS members lost their homes in Mississippi and in Texas. No LDS meetinghouses were reported damaged.According to The Associated Press, an unusual November storm system swept from Texas through the Southeast, then into Ohio and Indiana before heading out to sea.

      Kingwood Texas Stake Pres. Raymond D. Stewart described the devastation: "The winds were in excess of 150 miles an hour. There was a trailer home about 60 feet long that was taken off the ground and carried 30 feet. The trailer then took a roof off a house. The winds picked up automobiles like pieces of paper. One young boy was blown down a street about three blocks, but was not seriously injured. It's hard to believe the destruction. One large new variety store is gone. There is a bare spot of ground where it was before.

      "All this took place in less than 20 minutes. The storm roared through the area and then it was over. The debris was scattered for another mile and a half beyond where the storm quit destroying things."

      One of the hardest-hit areas, which was struck late Nov. 21 was in and around Brandon, Miss. Pres. Irvin H. Cronin of the Jackson Mississippi Stake commended the prompt action of Bishop Walter H. Blalock Jr. of the Pearl Ward and other ward priesthood leaders. "Soon after the storm, they sent about 25 brethren into the area with chain saws and equipment to help the community. The bishop and Melchizedek Priesthood leaders sought out and accounted for all members by noon the day after the storm."

      Pres. Cronin added that Church members in Brandon were joining in community clean-up efforts.

      Frank K. Gardner, second counselor to Pres. Cronin, said 451 members live in the Pearl Ward. One member's mobile home in Brandon was destroyed, while another home had its windows blown out.

      In Texas, about three tornadoes struck the Houston area, with the adjacent community of Channelview suffering severe damage. Members in Channelview attend the Pine Trails 1st Ward, Kingwood Texas Stake. Pres. Stewart told the Church News that about 150-175 members live in the area where the tornado struck. Three members' homes were destroyed, with other homes damaged.

      Pres. John Tschirhart, first counslor in the Houston Texas Stake, said his sister-in-law and her husband, Mary and Henry Chavez, and their three daughters, ages 3-9, were in their house when the storm struck. "Her husband told them to get to the bathroom. He had time to grab a flashlight before the tornado hit," related Pres. Tschirhart.

      He said the Chavez family later escaped from the house with only minor injuries, but their home was destroyed. "My sister-in-law's car was upside down in her daughter's bedroom."

      Pres. Stewart explained that members in the Pine Trails area are helping to clean up the community. "Channelview is a close-knit community so everyone is helping each other." He added that one member owns a demolition company, and he has donated equipment and power generators for relief efforts.

      A tornado also struck West Houston, which includes the Nottingham Country Ward, Katy Texas Stake. Pres. Collins W. Steward related that a 7-year-old boy received multiple cuts and was hospitalized when the garage on the family's home collapsed on him. He is expected to be released from the hospital soon.

      Elder David Glover, regional representative in Indianapolis, Ind., said members of the Indianapolis Indiana North Stake experienced massive power outages, but there were no reports of serious injuries or serious damage.

      Other states affected by the storm system included Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and North and South Carolina.