Officials in the US state of Missouri say at least 116 people are now confirmed dead after a tornado hit the city of Joplin on Sunday. A thunderstorm carrying hail and high winds was hindering ongoing search and rescue efforts on Monday afternoon. Missouri governor Jay Nixon said he was optimistic that there are still lives out there to be saved. More than 1,150 people have been treated for injuries stemming from the tornado. The tornado knocked down power lines and telephone services remain largely cut off. Mr Nixon has declared a state of emergency and warned that more storms were on the way.