At least 22 killed after tornado sweeps across southern US

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At least 22 people have been killed after a tornado struck the southern US state of Alabama, causing “catastrophic” damage.

Authorities said the death toll is expected to rise as rescue crews search through wreckage and debris.

More than 5,000 people have been left without power in Lee County, with footage from the area showing uprooted trees, debris-strewn roads and wrecked houses.

More than 40 people have been shifted to East Alabama Medical Centre to treat their injuries, officials added. 

On Twitter, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey warned residents there could be more extreme weather to come.

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