Massive tornadoes have struck the US state of Nebraska, killing one person and leaving at least 16 critically hurt.

At least two twisters touched down within a mile of each other, destroying the town of Pilger. State police closed all roads around the settlement.

One eyewitness captured this incredible video, clearly shocked by developments as they unfolded:

Emergency crews ordered the town to be evacuated. Jalayne Keyes, who lives there, says there might not be much to return to:

The National Weather Service (NWS) said it was extremely rare for the two twisters to land close together.

Rescue teams and residents sorted through the wreckage of demolished homes and businesses in the town, around 100 miles northwest of Omaha.

Stanton County Commissioner Jerry Weatherholt said: "More than half of the town is gone - absolutely gone.

"The co-op is gone, the grain bins are going, and it looks like almost every house in town has some damage. It's a complete mess."

Town heavily damaged

Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger said up to 75% of the town was heavily damaged and the local school was beyond repair.

"It's total devastation," he said.

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman has declared a state of emergency and the National Guard is preparing to deploy to the area.

Tornadoes have also caused damaged in Cuming and Wyoming counties and the NWS has been tracking another twister near Burwell in central Nebraska.