At least 21 people have died after devastating tornadoes swept through Kentucky and Missouri, local officials have revealed.
Kentucky officials described the situation as a "mass casualty event" after the weather system tore across Laurel County late on Friday.
The powerful storms have left a trail of destruction across multiple US states, with close to 50 million people still at risk from Saturday to Sunday, AccuWeather meteorologists have claimed.
Kentucky has reported 14 fatalities, with Governor Andy Beshear warning this number is expected to rise.
At least 21 people have died after devastating tornadoes swept through Kentucky and Missouri, according to local officials
Reuters
Meanwhile, Missouri has confirmed seven deaths as the severe weather system tore through communities.
The destructive weather pattern also impacted Wisconsin, where hundreds of thousands of residents have been left without power.
In St Louis, five people were confirmed dead and more than 5,000 homes were damaged, according to Mayor Cara Spencer.
The storm initially hit Scott County, about 130 miles south of St Louis on Friday, killing two people, Sheriff Derick Wheetley said.
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The powerful storms have left a trail of destruction across multiple US states
Reuters
The powerful weather event tore roofs off buildings, shattered windows, toppled trees and downed power lines across the region.
On Saturday, Mayor Spencer said: "Our city is grieving tonight. The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous."
Several people were taken to hospital with injuries, buildings were damaged, and a car was flipped over on a busy highway.
Laurel County Sheriff's Office spokesman Gilbert Acciardo said rescuers had "been on the ground all night looking for possible survivors".
Officials continue to assess the damage as rescue efforts remain underway in the hardest-hit communities
Retuers
Governor Beshear posted on X: "Kentucky, we're starting today with the tough news that we lost at least 14 of our people to last night's storms, but sadly, this number is expected to grow."
The National Weather Service has warned that further severe weather could hit Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma on Saturday.
The service stated on its website: "Severe thunderstorms producing large to very large hail, damaging gusts, and a couple of tornadoes are expected across the southern Plains."
The devastating tornado has already affected multiple states, with Wisconsin suffering widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
Officials continue to assess the damage as rescue efforts remain underway in the hardest-hit communities.
