Violent weather has struck the southern United States resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and widespread damage to buildings.
The worst affected areas are Alabama, Georgia and Missouri.
In Enterprise in southern Alabama a tornado brought down the roof of a high school, trapping and crushing students and teachers who had been sheltering inside.
At least eight students died.
Two people were killed when a hospital was hit by a tornado in Georgia and a seven-year-old girl was killed at a mobile home in Missouri.
US President George W Bush has offered federal aid to the states affected.
