NEW YORK CITY, New York: Severe storms and tornadoes continued to threaten parts of Pennsylvania, New York, and several Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states, while the death toll from the weekend storms rose to 36 across six states.

President Donald Trump said he was closely watching the situation, calling the loss of 36 lives a tragedy. He announced that the National Guard had been sent to Arkansas and promised support for state and local officials.

The storms moved east after hitting the South and Midwest. By the afternoon of March 16, more than 340,000 people were without power, according to PowerOutage.

Missouri was the hardest-hit state, with 12 deaths reported across five counties, the state highway patrol said. Governor Mike Kehoe confirmed one person was still missing, and storm damage affected 27 counties. In Butler County, emergency officials reported over 500 destroyed homes, as well as a church and a grocery store. A mobile home park was completely wiped out.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said six people died in the state—one in Covington County, two in Jefferson Davis County, and three in Walthall County. The storms also left 29 injured and caused damage in 21 counties.

Arkansas reported three deaths and 32 injuries, according to emergency officials.

In Kansas, eight people died in a massive crash involving over 50 vehicles during a severe dust storm in Sherman County, the state highway patrol said. Many were taken to hospitals with injuries.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey confirmed two deaths and damage in 52 of the state's 67 counties.

Texas also saw deadly crashes due to dust storms near Amarillo, killing three people, according to the Department of Public Safety.

The National Weather Service reported 39 tornadoes over the weekend, but the final number is still being confirmed.