The town of Idabel in McCurtain County in the far southeastern US state of Oklahoma was particularly hit by the weekend storm.
– There is serious damage. There are over 100 homes and commercial properties that have everything from minor damage to total damage, says Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Keli Cain.
A church, health center and school were torn apart in Idabel with about 7,000 inhabitants, according to NTB. One person died and many are missing in the county, according to local media.
– There is total destruction on the south and east side of Idabel, says local emergency coordinator, Steven Carter, to Official Texarkana.
At least three other counties were affected by the storm and there are flash floods in some areas as well.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has declared a state of emergency in the four counties of McCurtain, Bryan, Choctaw and LeFlore, according to AP news agency.
Just across the Texas border in Lamar County, at least 50 homes were destroyed. Ten people were hospitalized, including two injured, according to authorities.