Officials have confirmed at least 12 deaths in Missouri following storms overnight, with 9 of those in Heartland counties.19 tornadoes were reported as severe storms moved through the area Friday night into Saturday morning,

Initial reports suggest as many as 19 tornadoes hit Missouri over the weekend. Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Office said the twisters left widespread destruction in 27 Missouri counties – killing at least 12 people and leaving one person missing.

"The scale of devastation across our state is staggering," Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said. "While we grieve the lives of those lost, we are also focused on action."