A powerful storm has swept across the southern US, killing¹ at least two people and injuring several others.

一场强暴风席卷美国南部，造成至少两人死亡、多人受伤。

Monroe in Louisiana was hit hard

Tornadoes³, high winds, lightning, hail and heavy rain left a trail of destruction from Texas to Alabama. 

In Arkansas, a tornado² that touched down about 150 miles south-west of Little Rock killed a man and injured his wife when their home was destroyed.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency on Monday as thousands were left without power.

Two tornadoes also hit Missouri, toppling trees and causing some roof damage and toppling trees, according to the National Weather Service. 

In Alabama, a tree crushed a mobile home just north of Birmingham, killing a 75-year-old woman and injuring her husband, said the county coroner.

The extreme weather was expected to continue on Tuesday, with an estimated 36 million people in its path.

The Storm Prediction Center said the cities at risk included Memphis, Nashville, Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans and St Louis.