Tornadoes ravage US; at least 33 killed

At least 33 people have been killed and dozens more injured when tornadoes and violent storms raked across the central United States, as forecasters warned more severe weather was expected Sunday.

Eight people died in Kansas in a crash involving more than 50 vehicles, caused by low visibility during a "severe dust storm," local police said.

Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed 12 storm-related fatalities. In Mississippi, the state's governor said six deaths were reported and that three people were missing since late Saturday.

Meanwhile in Texas, local authorities told AFP that four people had died in vehicle accidents linked to dust storms and fires that reduced visibility on the roads.

In the neighbouring state of Arkansas, officials said three people had died and 29 had been injured in the storm.

More tornadoes were forecast in the central Gulf Coast states including Mississippi and Tennessee.