"The scale of devastation across our state is staggering," Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said. "While we grieve the lives of those lost, we are also focused on action."

A dynamic storm that prompted foreboding predictions of dangerous weekend weather spawned tornadoes, dust storms and wildfires that killed at least 39 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.

Initial reports suggest as many as 19 tornadoes hit Missouri over the weekend. Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Office said the twisters left widespread destruction in 27 Missouri counties – killing at least 12 people and leaving one person missing.

Twisters that tore through Union County, Missouri killed 6 people. One couple survived against incomprehensible odds in a trailer obliterated by the storm.

Communities across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana were devastated by the deadliest and longest-running tornado ever recorded a century ago. Here's what happened.