RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- Amid storms that killed more than 25 in areas of the United States on Saturday, a tornado watch was issued for several areas, including far western North Carolina.
The violent, deadly tornadoes were also destructive Saturday as whipping winds moved east into Kansas, the Mississippi Valley and Deep South, with more than two dozen people killed and scores of homes decimated. A Weather Alert day is set for Sunday.
Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as it withstood scattered twisters overnight that resulted in at least 11 deaths, authorities said. Kansas officials in Sherman County reported eight people were killed Saturday in a dust storm, raising the number of storm-related deaths to at least 26.
The tornado watch was issued just before 6 p.m. Saturday and will last until 1 a.m. Sunday, The National Weather Service said.
"A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible," the watch said.
The tornado watch in North Carolina is for Cherokee County.
"Widespread damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75 mph likely," the tornado watch said. "Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible."
There are 18 eastern Tennessee counties and 10 north Georgia counties in the tornado watch.
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
