At least 12 people have been killed and many more injured in the United States after a powerful storm system saw tornadoes rip through Arkansas and Oklahoma.
A dozen or more twisters tore through central and southern parts of the country, decimating buildings, overturning trucks, and bringing down trees and power lines.
National Guard troops have been mobilised in the worst-hit areas, and rescue workers have been combing through debris searching for victims, as forecasters warned more twisters were on their way.
Tornadoes have also hit in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, causing damage
President Barack Obama has sent his condolences to those affected and pledged any assistance necessary.
The deadly twisters have had a devastating impact on communities Mr Obama, who is currently in the Philippines, said: "Your country will be there to help you recover and rebuild, as long as it takes."
Arkansas Emergency Management official Brandon Morris told Sky News 11 people were killed by the large tornado which struck through the state.
The tornado formed outside Little Rock and travelled for 30 miles, carving a destructive path.
Television footage from the scene showed badly-damaged buildings and cars.
In Mayflower, one person was killed and 45 homes were destroyed.
City alderman Will Elder said: "It's extremely hazardous here right now. The power lines are down, roads are blocked and they (emergency services) will have to proceed with caution."
An earlier tornado in the town of Quapaw, in Oklahoma, also left one person dead and at least six people injured.
Joe Dan Morgan, of Ottawa County Emergency Management, said there was heavy damage in the town.
"It looks like about half of (the) town got extensive damage as well as the fire department," he said.
Emergency crews were combing through debris in those towns hit hardest by the tornadoes, as forecasters warned more twisters were on their way.
James Firestone, mayor of the Arkansas town of Velonia said: "It's chaos right now."
He said the downtown area "seems like it's completely levelled."
He added: "There's a few buildings partially standing, gas lines spewing. Fire lines down. We've had some casualties."
Firefighters from nearby cities as well as National Guard troops were heading to the town to help, and the county sheriff's office said a "mass casualty situation" had been reported.
US Representative Tim Griffin said: "Tonight, I walked around what was only hours earlier a thriving neighbourhood that is now gone.
"An entire neighbourhood of 50 or so homes has been destroyed - many homes are completely gone except the foundation.
"And there is more devastation like this in other parts of Arkansas."
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe wrote on Twitter: "It's been a truly awful night for many families, neighbourhoods and communities, but Arkansas always step up to help each other recover."
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