A fast-moving storm system triggered multiple tornadoes on Sunday (November 17) that killed at least six people and flattened large parts of a town in Illinois as it tore across the Midwest.

The tornadoes levelled scores of homes and demolished entire neighbourhoods. Some 80 tornado reports were received, along with 358 reports of damaging winds and 40 reports of large hail.

The National Weather Service confirmed preliminary EF-4 tornado damage in Washington County in southern Illinois, with winds of 166 to 200 mph.

The unusual late-season storms moved dangerously fast, tracking east at 60 mph, with the bulk of the damage spanning about five hours. Wind damage threats continued across Pennsylvania and New York.

Two people, an 80-year-old man and his 78-year-old sister, were killed in Washington County , Illinois, County coroner Mark Styninger said.

Three others were killed in Massac County, Illinois, on the Kentucky border where a tornado devastated several neighbourhoods, emergency officials said.

More people were feared trapped in their basements under debris according to Illinois State Police.

The American Red Cross worked with emergency management officials to set up shelters and provide assistance.

Presented by Adam Justice

Read more: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/washington-illinois-chicago-weather-tornado-photos-destruction-523057