NBC affiliate KAIT reported that the tornado that swept through a nursing home in Monett was among a series of tornadoes in the area.
The channel quoted the official as saying that two people were killed and five wounded, and at least 20 were trapped in the 86-bed house.
The US National Weather Service issued tornado warnings Friday night for areas in several states, including Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois, Reuters reported.
Winds reached more than 110 kilometers per hour in parts of St. Charles and St. Louis counties in Missouri, the Associated Press reported.
At least 3 St. Charles County residents were hospitalized, and several homes were damaged in the area near Augusta, Missouri.
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