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1 dead, dozens hurt as tornadoes hit Texas and Oklahoma
Fifty homes were reported damaged or destroyed in Lamar County, Texas, where at least two dozen people are reported injured, two critically.
TEXAS, USA — Authorities in Oklahoma say at least one person has died as tornadoes ravaged areas of that state and neighboring Texas, leaving some people trapped and dozens of homes in ruins.
The twisters Friday destroyed large portions of the town of Idabel in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, flattening a church, restaurant and medical center. Officials confirm at least one death in that county.
Meanwhile, 50 homes were reported damaged or destroyed in Lamar County, Texas, where at least two dozen people are reported injured, two critically.
One community hit hard was Powderly, Texas, near the border with Oklahoma and about 120 miles (193 kilometers) northeast of Dallas.
Randi Johnson, chief of the Powderly Volunteer Fire Department, told The Paris News newspaper that she wasn’t aware anyone had been killed but knew of injuries.
“It’s going to take a long time to get this cleaned up, but the community came together,” Johnson said. “It’s really heartbreaking to see.”
Lamar County Judge Brandon Bell — the highest elected official in the county that includes Powderly — declared a disaster in the area, a step in getting federal assistance and funding. Bell’s declaration said at least two dozen people were injured across the county in what he said was a confirmed tornado.
Churches opened their doors to serve as shelters for those whose homes were damaged.
Hopkins County near Sulpher Springs, Texas was another area that saw severe weather with residents getting pictures and videos of reported tornadoes.
RELATED: PHOTOS: Tornado touches down near Sulphur Springs, severe weather moves through North Texas
The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings stretching from the Dallas-Fort Worth area into neighboring Oklahoma and even stretching toward the northern Houston area.