At least 10 people died in the US state of Missouri in a series of tornadoes that hit the Midwest and southeastern part of the US overnight, DPA and Reuters reported, quoted by dariknews.bg.
Three people died in the state of Arkansas, another three in road accidents amid a dust storm in Texas.
Major property damage and destruction were caused, which were still being assessed early today.
At least 26 tornadoes were reported, but not all were confirmed to have touched down amid powerful thunderstorms in parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri.
"There is a high risk of more tornadoes in Alabama and Mississippi today, with a 30 percent chance. That's a pretty high chance," said David Roth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.
Two of the tornado deaths were in southern Missouri, in the Bakersfield area, about four hours south of Kansas City. The third death was reported in Butler County, local authorities said.
Several people were injured, but the number was not announced.
As the storms regain strength, the highest possible risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is tonight, forecasters said.
Parts of Missouri, Iowa and Illinois saw some of the most extreme weather events yesterday, and today the storms are expected to head towards the southern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the Associated Press notes.
"Numerous significant tornadoes, some with long paths and potentially strong, are expected Saturday afternoon and evening," the latest forecast from the Federal Storm Prediction Center says.
On Saturday, the area with the highest risk includes parts of Mississippi and Alabama.
The center warns of a "high risk" when severe weather conditions are expected to include "multiple intense and long-lasting tornadoes" or thunderstorms producing hurricane-force winds and causing extensive damage.