At least 21 people have died after severe storms swept through the states of Kentucky and Missouri in the midwestern and southern United States, officials said Saturday.

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said on X that 14 people have been confirmed dead, warning that that toll is "likely to grow."

"Kentucky, we're starting today with the tough news that we lost at least 14 of our people to last night's storms, but sadly, this number is expected to grow as we receive more information," Beshear said Saturday. "Please pray for all of our affected families."

Tornadoes cause 'heartbreaking' devastation

Laurel County in southeast Kentucky was particularly affected, with local authorities saying nine people were killed by a tornado that touched down on Friday night.

Beshear said over 100,000 people in the state have been left without power, while five counties have declared a state of emergency.

Local media broadcast drone footage from the area which showed widespread devastation in the town of London, where homes were flattened and trees were entirely shorn of branches by the high winds.

"The devastation from last night's deadly weather is heartbreaking, but we are going to make sure we get the support needed to recover and rebuild together," the Kentucky governor said.

Rescuers on the ground had spent the night looking for survivors, with search continuing into Saturday morning, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office said.

Eastern Kentucky, where the tornadoes struck overnight, is known historically for its coal mines and is one of the poorest parts of the country.

Much of Missouri also affected

In neighboring Missouri, at least seven people have died, with five of the fatalities coming in the metropolis of St Louis. Two deaths were confirmed in Scott County, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) south of St. Louis. 

In a post on X, Missouri governor Mike Kehoe said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the deaths and injuries caused by the tornadoes and severe storms that have affected much of the state today. Our prayers are with all those impacted."

"Our city is grieving tonight," St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer told a press conference on Friday night. "The loss of life and the destruction is truly horrendous."

Over 80,000 people were left without electricity in western Missouri, and three shelters have been set up in the area to house people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a statement.

Officials warned that more severe weather was forecast for Sunday and Monday.   

Last year, the US saw nearly 1,800 tornadoes, the second-highest number ever recorded, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Edited by: Rana Taha