The death toll continues to climb in Kentucky and Missouri as recovery efforts continue from a devasting night of tornados in the region.

LONDON, Ky. (AP) — Death toll from severe storms and tornadoes rises to at least 27, including 18 in Kentucky.

KENTUCKY/MISSOURI – […] Some of the hardest hit towns by large tornadoes Friday night in Kentucky were the Somerset area and London, where local officials reported nine people died amid significant damage.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office says the tornado touched down in London just before midnight and tore through two neighborhoods and the London Corbin Airport area, “causing mass casualties in its path.” Aside from the nine dead, officials reported “numerous severe injuries occurred to others.”

Video from London shows extensive damage with multiple homes destroyed and vehicles barely recognizable as debris littered the neighborhood and lightning still flashed in the background.

[…] The severe weather outbreak began earlier Friday in Missouri as supercell thunderstorms spawned deadly tornadoes.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said at least five storm-related fatalities have been confirmed in her city. She implemented a city-wide curfew because over 5,000 homes were affected by the storms.

In Scott County, located about 2 hours south of St. Louis, the sheriff reported at least two storm-related deaths and multiple injuries.

“Today, our county was struck by a devastating tornado in the southern region, causing significant damage to several rural areas,” Scott County Sheriff Derick Wheetley said. The tornado moved from the eastern part of the county, leaving behind a trail of destruction, with multiple homes completely lost and areas left unrecognizable.” (more)