A relentless barrage of violent tornadoes, raging wildfires, and blinding dust storms has unleashed catastrophic destruction across the central and southern United States, leaving at least 33 people dead and communities shattered.

At least 34 people have died after a cross-country storm brought widespread dangerous winds and tornadoes - more than 30 tornadoes were reported across six states. Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, and Alabama were hardest hit.