(Dallas) Multiple tornadoes swept through parts of Texas and Oklahoma, causing injuries and extensive damage near Dallas and Austin, officials said Tuesday.
Posted at 10:30 a.m.
The storm was now sliding toward Louisiana and Mississippi, where it could spawn new tornadoes and high winds.
In Texas, several tornadoes were reported Monday in the Highway 35 corridor, especially in Round Rock and Elgin, two suburbs of Austin, and west-northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth. Another suspected tornado caused damage in Kingston, southern Oklahoma.
At least four people were injured Tuesday in Texas, officials said.
The system was generating downpours and thunderstorms Tuesday morning in parts of Texas and Arkansas, said Jeremy Grams, chief meteorologist at the Norman Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma. A tornado watch was in effect for parts of Texas and Louisiana.
In Louisiana, high water on Tuesday posed a risk to motorists on several roads, including a portion of Interstate 29 and several local highways after rain for the past several hours, officials said. Shreveport area police rescued three people overnight.
Storms are expected to intensify over the next few hours as temperatures warm, increasing the risk of tornadoes, hail and strong winds. Almost all of Louisiana and all of Mississippi were threatened by bad weather on Tuesday.
Louisiana officials have reminded residents of mobile homes and recreational vehicles to prepare an evacuation plan, since their homes may not withstand the weather. This warning affects more than 8,000 households, officials said.
The storm caused heavy damage in Texas. Photos posted online show Jacksboro High School, about 100 miles northwest of Fort Worth, was damaged. Part of the roof was torn off, especially above the gymnasium.
Four minor injuries are reported near Bowie, 50 kilometers northeast of Jacksboro.