At least 34 people have lost their lives as a series of powerful tornadoes tore through southeastern states in the United States, leaving a trail of destruction, officials said on Saturday.

Missouri has been the hardest-hit state, with 12 fatalities reported, while six people were killed in Mississippi as multiple tornadoes battered the region. Governor Tate Reeves confirmed the deaths, warning that the severe weather could continue in the coming days.

In Kansas, a massive dust storm led to a 55-vehicle pile-up, claiming the lives of at least eight people. Meanwhile, Texas reported four fatalities following deadly storms and accidents triggered by strong winds.

Authorities said over 170,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity across five states, including Missouri, Michigan, and Illinois. The severe weather prompted emergency declarations in multiple states, with officials warning residents to brace for further storms.

States declare emergencies

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe described the situation as devastating, saying that numerous homes had been destroyed while at least 19 tornadoes struck 25 counties across the state. In Arkansas, where three people were killed and 29 others injured, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also issued emergency declarations after tornado-related fatalities were reported in their respective states.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tornado watches for several regions, including eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and parts of the Florida Panhandle. Multiple tornado warnings were also in effect for Alabama late on Saturday night.

The NWS described the situation as “particularly dangerous” and warned of “multiple intense to violent long-track tornadoes” in the affected areas. “If you live in these areas, get to the sturdiest structure you have access to and remain in place until the storms pass,” the agency advised.

Wildfires and dust storms

The destructive storms have also fuelled over 100 wildfires across multiple states, with high winds exacerbating the situation. One of the largest blazes, the 840 Road Fire in Oklahoma, has already scorched more than 27,500 acres and remains completely uncontained, according to the Oklahoma Forestry Service.

Meanwhile, a massive dust storm in Texas on Friday night led to a deadly pile-up involving at least 38 vehicles. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Sgt Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety. “We couldn’t tell that they were all together until the dust kind of settled.”

The US experiences an average of 1,200 tornadoes annually, with the central and southern regions, known as "Tornado Alley," particularly vulnerable. While peak tornado season typically falls between May and June, meteorologists have warned that severe storms can occur at any time of the year.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), at least 54 people were killed in tornado-related incidents in the US in 2024.

Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious, as flash flooding and severe weather conditions continue to pose a significant threat.