Tornadoes tore through parts of Missouri and Arkansas yesterday, leaving a trail of destruction in their path. At least three tornado touchdowns were confirmed around the St. Louis metro area causing significant damage and leaving more than 40-thousand without power.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency and is expected to take a tour of some of the hardest hit areas later today.

In Arkansas, a tornado destroyed a church and overturned an 18-wheeler in Van Buren County. At least three people were injured.

The storm system is moving east where it will bring heavy rain and wind to Chicago and the lower Great Lakes region today. More tornadic weather is possible ranging from central Ohio and Indiana down to Georgia and Louisiana.