Severe weather sweeping across the American Midwest and South has left at least 21 people dead, with officials warning that the death toll may rise.
In Kentucky, at least 14 people were confirmed dead, with local authorities saying nine people were killed after what appeared to be a powerful tornado touched down in the south-eastern part of the state.
Structures collapsed, and a car was flipped on a motorway as the storm ripped through the largely rural area. Authorities said there were also multiple reports of serious injuries.
While the US’s National Weather Service has not yet confirmed that it was a tornado which struck Kentucky, meteorologist Philomon Geertson said it was likely.
“Lives have been changed forever here tonight. This is a time we come together, and we pray for this community,” said the mayor of London, Kentucky, Randall Wendle. “I have never personally witnessed what I’ve witnessed here tonight.”
Only two months ago, severe weather caused at least 24 deaths and widespread damage in Kentucky. Hundreds had to be rescued during that storm.
Missouri pounded by storms
At least seven people were killed in neighbouring Missouri and tornadoes were also triggered in Wisconsin by the severe weather.
More than 600,000 homes and businesses across a dozen states lost power as of Saturday, with Missouri and Kentucky among the hardest hit.
St. Louis mayor Cara Spencer confirmed the deaths of at least five people in the city and said more than 5,000 homes were damaged.
“This is truly, truly devastating,” she said. “The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous.”
The city’s fire department said three people had to be rescued after part of a nearby church collapsed, but one of these people died. A curfew was imposed Friday night in the neighbourhoods damaged the most.
The US National Weather Service said tornadoes also hit Illinois, with more severe weather conditions expected all the way to the Atlantic coast.
The total number of injured was not immediately available. However, hospitals in area reported receiving dozens of injured – some in serious condition.
Additional sources • AP
