Authorities say at least 89 have died in the massive tornado that struck the southwest Missouri city of Joplin.

City manager Mark Rohr announced the number at a pre-dawn news conference outside the wreckage of a hospital that took a direct hit from Sunday's storm.

Rohr said the twister cut a path nearly six miles long and more than a half-mile wide through the center of town. Much of the city's south side was leveled, with businesses, homes and restaurants reduced to ruins.  

The Missouri National Guard is continuing its search for the injured throughout the day.

Obama offers condolences, aid after Joplin tornado

President Barack Obama says the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with state and local agencies in response to a tornado that ripped through the southwest Missouri community of Joplin.

Obama issued a statement Sunday night sending condolences to families of those who died in storms in Joplin and across the Midwest. He commended the "heroic" efforts of those who are responding to the disaster.

The White House said Obama was briefed several times on the deadly tornadoes in the Midwest during his overnight flight from Washington to Dublin.

The president says the federal government is prepared to provide help as needed.