A powerful storm system spawning several tornadoes has torn through the central and southern United States, killing at least 12 people.

Two people were killed when their mobile home was battered by a storm, US authorities said today.

NEARLY 1.2 million Floridians were urged to leave their homes yesterday as massive and powerful Hurricane Frances roared toward the crowded south-east US coast.

An exhaust centre shop owner who ploughed his makeshift armoured bulldozer into several buildings over a dispute with city officials was found dead in the machine after a SWAT team gained access with explosives, authorities said.