The death toll from two tornadoes that ripped through central Tennessee has risen to 25, the states Governor William Lee said on Tuesday.
In Nashville, Tennessees biggest city, the tornadoes caused widespread damage to homes and other buildings.
The storm hit after midnight and moved so quickly that many people sleeping didnt have time to take shelter, US media reports.
President Donald Trump has said he plans to visit the state on Friday.
A number of people remain unaccounted for, Governor Lee said in a press conference.
The scene in Nashville is like a war zone one resident told the BBC.