In pictures: Nasa images of Oklahoma tornado reveal scale of storm

Nasa has released images taken by satellites showing the devastating tornado as it struck the town of Moore in Oklahoma.

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The images from space show the mammoth storm before and after it struck, along with views of the weather system that caused the tornado.

The pictures reveal the sheer scale and power of the twister, while night time images show just how much damage was caused by the twister.

The storm was classified as an F-4 tornado with wind speeds of between 166 to 200 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

After touching down west of Newcastle, Oklahoma, the storm moved northeast towards the town of Moore, where it caused widespread destruction. It eventually dissipated after travelling around 17 to 20 miles (27-32km).

The National Weather Service estimated that the twister was a mile-wide, with a relatively slow forward speed given the intensity. The slower speed may have been the reason the tornado caused so much damage, debris was found up to 100 miles (160km) away in Tulsa.

It has wreaked havoc on the suburbs of Moore, obliterating homes and schools with many feared dead and hundreds of other injured.

Video: Nasa images show the tornado's movements

For more on this story:

Oklahoma tornado: First victim of Moore storm identified as nine-year-old Ja'Nae Hornsby

Oklahoma tornado: Rescue effort nears an end as authorities say they are confident there are no bodies or survivors left in the rubble

Video: Amateur footage captures Oklahoma tornado