Image copyright Missouri Department of Public Safety

At least three people have been killed as tornadoes sweep across Missouri in the US Midwest, local officials say.

The fatalities were confirmed in Golden City, 170 miles (270km) southwest of state capital Jefferson City.

A tornado struck the state capital itself, bringing heavy rain, hail, wind and lightning.

Extensive damage has been reported around the state, and thousands are believed to be without electricity. Storms also hit Oklahoma and Texas.

Emergency sirens were activated in Jefferson City, and the storm was spotted 20 minutes later.

Images on social media show buildings ripped apart, power lines downed and trees uprooted.

More storms are expected to hit the Midwest on Thursday and Friday.

Emergency officials have warned of flash flooding, and are reportedly carrying out door-to-door searches amid reports of trapped residents.

On Thursday morning, tornado warnings remained in place outside St Louis, in eastern Missouri.

Earlier, the US National Weather Service issued a rare "high warning" for severe storms in the region.

"It's a chaotic situation right now," Jefferson City Police Lt David Williams told reporters. "We need people who are not affected to stay out of those areas".

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