At least one person was killed and dozens were injured after tornadoes swept through parts of Oklahoma and Texas, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Search and rescue teams were dispatched to the worst affected areas with people trapped in ruined buildings.
The storms also caused flash floods in some parts.
Residents face a major cleanup. Image: AP
Two cities bearing the brunt of the tornadoes were Powderly in Texas and Idabel in Oklahoma, both of which are located near the border between the two states.
Idabel is located in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, in the southeastern corner of the state, where authorities have confirmed a victim.
The city has seen a church, a medical center and a school torn apart.
‘Total destruction’
Steven Carter, an emergency management coordinator for McCurtain County, said, “There has been total destruction on the south and east sides of Idabel.”
Rescuers equipped with generators were sent to the area to search for the missing residents.
Governor Kevin Stitt tweeted: “Pray for Oklahoma people affected by today’s tornadoes.”
Keli Cain, from the state office for emergency management, said three other counties were also affected by storms, causing flooding.
The National Weather Service said tornadoes were also reported in Texas and Arkansas and a thunderstorm system was heading towards Louisiana.
In Texas, Lamar County authorities said at least 50 homes were destroyed and 10 people were treated in a hospital, including two with serious injuries.
No deaths have been reported at this time.
The roofs were torn from the buildings. Image: AP
‘Must see makeup remover’
Official County Judge Brandon Bell has declared a disaster in the area, paving the way for federal assistance and funding.
He said at least two dozen people were injured across the county.
After landing, a tornado traveled north through the communities of Hopewell, Caviness, Beaver Creek, and Powderly, the county sheriff’s office said.
Randi Johnson, Powderly Volunteer Fire Chief, said, “It will take a long time to clean up all of this, but the community has come together.
“It’s really heartbreaking to see.”
The destruction scenes have been described as “heartbreaking”. Image: AP
The city is located approximately 45 miles west of Idabel and approximately 119 miles northeast of Dallas.
Meanwhile, at least five tornadoes have been confirmed along the Mississippi and Alabama coast.
