Tornado kills at least 11 in US midwest

A powerful tornado tore through southern Indiana and parts of Kentucky early today, killing at least 11 people and injuring more…

A powerful tornado tore through southern Indiana and parts of Kentucky early today, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 100, according to emergency officials.

Four people were confirmed dead in Warrick County and seven were reported killed in Vanderburgh and hospitals reported taking in at least 160, said Newburgh assistant fire chief Chad Bennett.

"We've had severe damage," Mr Bennett said. "Homes were totally devastated."

Bennett said the death toll could climb as rescue workers pick through rubble.

READ MORE

The storm came through around 2 am local time with little warning. Alarm sirens sounded only about 10 minutes before the tornado hit.

"Most people were asleep. They probably didn't hear the sirens," Mr Bennett said.