Deadly Tornadoes Rip Across Midwest, Leaving Fatalities In Missouri, Kentucky

A deadly slew of tornadoes swept across parts of the Midwest on Friday, killing more than 20 people in Missouri and Kentucky and leaving a trail of destruction through Illinois, Indiana and beyond.

At least seven people were killed in Missouri, and emergency crews were still searching building to building for survivors. Dozens more people were injured, including several in serious condition. Kentucky also reported at least 14 fatalities as the storm unleashed large hail, damaging winds, and multiple tornadoes across the region.

One particularly destructive tornado - responsible for at least five fatalities - touched down in Clayton, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, and moved rapidly toward the north side of the city. More than 5,000 buildings sustained damage, say officials. National Weather Service survey teams confirmed the damage was consistent with that of a tornado of EF3 or greater strength.

One woman was killed as the roof collapsed at Centennial Christian Church. City of St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press that two other people had to be rescued after part of the church crumbled.

As the tornado crossed the Mississippi River just north of downtown, reports of major damage poured in, including a building with its roof torn off and trees uprooted and blocking roads. Emergency officials reported at least one building struck by debris, shattered windows, and numerous injuries, while videos posted to social media showed trees littering the streets and vehicles covered by fallen branches.

In Laurel County, Kentucky, emergency responders confirm at least nine people were killed by a tornado that "pummeled" the area. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says he expects the death toll to grow. Five Kentucky counties declared states of emergency.

The storm threat is not over. Severe weather is expected to continue across several states.

Senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman explains that this was just one phase of a prolonged event:

"Today's storms in the mid-Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley make up just one chapter of a dangerous multi-day severe weather saga that will begin to shift its emphasis to the Central and Southern Plains this weekend and last at least through Tuesday."

For more on that forecast, click here.

Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.