At least 27 killed after tornados batter US states

AT least 27 people lost their lives after tornados devastated parts of the US.

- By Stephen Beech

The toll included 18 deaths in Kentucky where 10 other people were in a “critical” condition in hospital.

Officials declared a “mass casualty event” after tornados tore across Laurel County.

Seven people were killed in Missouri and two more died in northern Virginia.

The deadly weather system also saw tornados rip through the state of Wisconsin, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power.

Grieving

Five people were confirmed dead in St Louis, Missouri, where more than 5,000 homes were damaged, according to Mayor Cara Spencer.