Tornadoes and heavy rain have destroyed large parts of central and southern United States, flattening homes and businesses. Around 15 tornadoes have been recorded across states including Arkansas, Missouri,

(Reuters) -Tornadoes ripped across a wide swath of the central and southern United States on Wednesday, destroying homes and businesses and bringing down power lines and trees. The National Weather Service said there had been at least 15 reports of tornadoes in at least four states by late Wednesday.

Life-threatening flash flooding, strong tornadoes, heavy snow and high winds are expected in the central states as warnings of the highest level are issued.