In pictures: Violent storms leave behind scenes of devastation and heartbreak.

The storm system that ripped through Mississippi and Alabama over the weekend, causing at least 26 deaths, and left residents and volunteers in the Mississippi town of Rolling Fork digging through rubble.

The tornado packed winds in excess of 165 m.p.h. and struck Rolling Fork late on Friday night, as most residents were at home. When daylight broke, the scale of the devastation became clear.

Photographers on the ground captured scenes of storm’s aftermath.

Chuck’s Dairy Bar in Rolling Fork, on Saturday, after the tornado passed through the town.

Wonder Bolden holding her 1-year-old granddaughter, Journey Bolden, on Saturday.

What was left of a house and car on Saturday.

Cedric Miles searched through his belongings inside his destroyed home on Saturday.

The view of Rolling Fork from a window inside Mr. Miles’s home.

Residents took shelter inside a makeshift clinic and relief center.

Hunting trophies outside a destroyed home on Saturday.

The armory in Rolling Fork is the home base for all supplies coming into the town. Between 250 and 300 cots are being set up for people who lost their homes.

Greyson Kelley, 4, outside his home on Saturday.

Anthony Gilbert, center, pushing an oxygen tank belonging to Lollie Whiting, left, amid the piles of debris on Saturday.

A store that was ravaged by the winds.

Snapped branches covered a sheriff’s vehicle on Saturday.

Broken bricks and splintered wood are all that remained of a home on Saturday.