By JEFF ROBERSON, REBECCA REYNOLDS and JULIE WALKER PIEDMONT, Mo. (AP) — Violent tornadoes and high winds decimated homes, wiped out schools and toppled semitractor-trailers as a monster

Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states.

Death toll: At least 37 people have died as destructive winds, fires, and storms wreaked havoc from Mississippi to Oklahoma. Missouri has recorded the most casualties, with at least 12 people dying by tornadoes that ravaged the state.

Tornadoes whipped through Missouri on Friday night, ripping apart homes, businesses, and the electrical system. Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Office says at least 12 people have been killed and one person is still missing from the severe weather.

Numerous significant tornadoes are expected Saturday afternoon and evening, with the highest risk across several states in the Deep South, forecasters say.