Residents in Kentucky and Missouri are digging through tornado-stricken neighborhoods and clearing debris after severe storms swept through parts of the Midwest and South and left more than two dozen

A violent, tornado-spawning storm system tore across the Central US, leaving at least 21 people dead in Missouri and southeastern Kentucky as it cut a path of destruction through several states.

LONDON, Ky. — As a powerful tornado moved toward Laurel County late Friday, Zach Wilson drove through the storms to get to his parents.

Tornadoes in southeastern Kentucky resulted in at least 19 confirmed fatalities, with a potential for a higher death toll. While Louisville experienced tree damage and power outages, no life-threatening injuries were reported.

In London, Ky., the scope of the destruction from a tornado that killed 19 in the state was coming into view as residents tried to process the disaster.