Deadly tornadoes rage across US

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

In Arkansas, the tornado killed 11 people, five each in Faulkner and Pulaski counties,and one in White County. Another tornado from the same storm system killed one person in Quapaw, Oklahoma.

The Quapaw tornado then moved northwards into Kansas and destroyed dozens of homes in the city of Baxter Springs.

Tornadoes also touched down in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.

Tornado watches – which means twisters could develop but are not an immediate threat – were in effect for states as far west as New Mexico and as far east as Tennessee and the system produced storms that were moving through the region in waves. Watches were also issued for Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Iowa, Texas and Louisiana.

Quapaw was heavily damaged. “Looks like about half of town got extensive damage as well as the fire department,” Ottawa County Emergency Management director Joe Morgan said.

Six people were treated for tornado-related injuries at Baptist Regional Health Centre.

A tractor-trailer was blown on to its side in Missouri. No one was injured.