"The scale of devastation across our state is staggering," Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said. "While we grieve the lives of those lost, we are also focused on action."

Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers, part of a monster storm that has killed at least 40 people across six states.

Tornadoes whipped through Missouri on Friday night, ripping apart homes, businesses, and the electrical system. Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Office says at least 12 people have been killed and one person is still missing from the severe weather.

"I've experienced Arctic hurricanes, I used to work on the Arctic, but this was like nothing we've ever felt before."

The deadliest tornado in recorded U.S. history occurred 100 years ago. The Tri-State Tornado touched down in southeastern Missouri on March 18, 1925.

Multiple deadly tornadoes tore through the Midwest on Friday, killing at least 16 people. Why It Matters. The month of March traditionally marks the beginning of tornado season in

Violent tornadoes spawned from an enormous storm system that touched down in at least 7 states Friday night into Saturday. Jason Allen reports, and Andrew Kozak has the forecast.