Twelve fatalities were reported in Missouri – the most of any state struck by the storm – from scattered twisters, thunderstorms and large hail that ravaged dozens of communities. “Homes and businesses have been destroyed, entire communities are without power and the road to recovery will not be easy,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a statement.

Thousands of power outages were reported Saturday as a deadly severe weather outbreak moved across the Midwest and South.

A series of destructive tornadoes have swept across parts of the United States, resulting in at least 27 deaths as a powerful storm system moved swiftly through the region since Friday, according to the Associated Press.

A quickly-spreading wildfire, fueled by powerful winds, has forced the urgent evacuation of the entire town of Velma, in Stephens County Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is closing parts of OK-7 to keep people out of danger as flames tear through dry grass.

At least 10 people have died in Missouri after tornadoes tore through central and southern parts of the US, authorities have confirmed. Missouri's governor has warned of further severe weather, including the risk of additional tornadoes on Saturday.