Deadly tornadoes have struck the US state of Florida, leaving chaos in their wake.

From the air the scale of the storms, which killed some 19 people, was easily visible.

The severe winds picked up cars and uprooted trees, hurling them against homes.

About 10,000 people were said to have been left without power by the storm, with much of the damage in Lady Lake County.

Many returned to find the homes and vehicles damaged, missing or simply blown over.

Startled residents began the grim task of salvaging their belongings from the scattered ruins of their homes.

For some the discovery that their homes and belongings had been wiped out was too much to bear.

Those who could went to bring supplies of food and water back to their towns.

Florida's governor declared a state of emergency as rescue teams went to work, searching for survivors.

From the air, the scale of the damage is clear. The winds lifted roofs from houses and damaged power lines, leaving many without electricity.

At least 500 homes were reported to have been damaged, including this one in Lady Lake, north of Orlando, sent in by reader Chris Haigh.