Tornadoes kill 22 in US

Tornadoes have killed at least 22 people and injured hundreds in the central and south-eastern United States.

Authorities said 14 people died in Missouri, six in Oklahoma and two in Georgia as the storms tore across the country, destroying homes, overturning cars, blocking roads, downing power lines and uprooting trees.

Ten people died in Newton County, Missouri, on the border with Oklahoma, according to Susie Stonner of the Missouri Emergency Management Agency, adding that police had not ruled out finding more victims.

Jason Schaumann, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Missouri, said: "This looks like a very large tornado. We've got indications of cars that were thrown a quarter to a half mile, and frame homes that were swept off their foundations."

Damage indicated an EF3 tornado, which would have estimated wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph (219 to 266 kph), he added.

Hail the size of softballs and wind gusts of 80 mph (129 kph) were also reported in Missouri, where nearly 100 were injured, according to reports.

President George W Bush offered prayers for the families of those who died.

He added: "The federal government will be moving hard to help. I'll be in touch with the governors and offer all the federal assistance we can."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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