FOG BLOG U.S. WEATHER LOG: 'SUPER CELL' STORMS SPAWNING TORNADO'S KILLS 23 , RIPS THRU SOUTH STATES!

Tornado kills at least 23 as it tears through southern US states during 'supercell' storms

Severe storms hit southern US states on Friday, producing hail the size of golf balls and causing fatal injuries. At least 23 people have died after a powerful tornado ripped through several southern US states, destroying buildings and knocking out power.

Severe storms hit Mississippi, Alabama and Texas on Friday, producing hail the size of golf balls and prompting the authorities to warn residents they were in a "life-threatening situation".

The National Weather Service issued an alert to people in the path of the tornado and said: "To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW!

"You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter... Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible."

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said in a Twitter post that search and rescue teams from local and state agencies were deployed to help victims impacted by the tornadoes.

The agency confirmed early on Saturday that 23 people had died, four were missing and dozens were injured.

A few minutes later, the agency tweeted: "Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to change."

The number of fatalities means the storms that ravaged parts of Mississippi overnight were the deadliest in the state in more than a decade.