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.

A severe weather system spawned intense, long-duration tornadoes that struck parts of Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri, leaving some communities in tatters.

Twenty-six tornadoes were reported but not confirmed to have touched down late on Friday night and early on Saturday as a low-pressure system drove powerful thunderstorms across p