Violent storms kill 13 people in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas

by cexline | May 25, 2011 at 05:21 am

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Violent storms swept through the central U.S. late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, killing 13 people in three states, including Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas. The storms produced winds of more than 150 mph, destroying homes and cars and a rural Arkansas fire station.

These storms killed eight people in Oklahoma, two in Kansas and three in Arkansas. In Arkansas, two people died in Franklin County when the tornado touched down a little after midnight and a third death was reported in the Johnson County town of Horseshoe Bend. In Stafford, Kansas, two motorists died when an uprooted tree slammed into their van.

The deadly string of tornadoes that hit central Oklahoma killed eight people during the Tuesday evening rush hour, including one child, and injured three children who are currently in critical condition. Canadian County Sheriff Randall Edwards states:

“Piedmont is the hardest hit area. There's more damage in Piedmont because it's the most densely populated area.”

Around 1,200 people were packed in a shelter in Newcastle, a town near Oklahoma City. About 100 people were displaced and 50 homes were destroyed. Statewide, at least 60 people were hurt and nearly 58,00 homes lost power.

The storm systems hit from Iowa to Texas with reports of golf-sized hail. The storm system also paid another visit to Joplin, Missouri, where 122 people were killed just days ago. The city was under a tornado watch late Tuesday, but was only struck by forceful wind and lightning. Twisters were also reported in Dallas, Texas and several northern Texas counties.