Violent storms, with tornadoes and large hailstones, have swept several US states, leaving a trail of destruction.

The storms uprooted trees, brought down power lines and overturned cars across wide sections of some central states.

Tennessee was hit hardest, with tornadoes striking along a 25-mile (40km) path in the western part of the state.

Betty Sisk said she and her two children were thrown into the yard by a twister, after taking cover in their house toilet.

Thousands of people have been left without power, while relief workers have been delivering aid to survivors.

Authorities in some areas say many people remain trapped in the rubble and that rescue efforts are continuing.