A local official told CBS News that several water rescues were taking place in the area.

The rainfall had forced nearly 6,000 people to evacuate and left more than 27,000 households without electricity,

The fatalities were reported on Friday and Saturday, all in the central and southeastern regions, officials said.

As the excessive heat continues to persist in the dry climate of Central Texas, the risk for fires is only growing. AUSTIN, Texas — When it comes to fire damage, Austin ranks fifth in the nation for cost associated with rebuilding after disasters like wildfires, according to officials. As the excessive heat continues to persist in the dry climate of Central Texas, the risk for fires is only growing. The Austin Fire Department’s (AFD) Wildfire…

As the excessive heat continues to persist in the dry climate of Central Texas, the risk for fires is only growing. AUSTIN, Texas — When it comes to fire damage, Austin ranks fifth in the nation for cost associated with rebuilding after disasters like wildfires, according to officials. As the excessive heat continues to persist in the dry climate of Central Texas, the risk for fires is only growing. The Austin Fire Department’s (AFD) Wildfire…

The National Weather Service says more than 120 million people are under extreme heat advisories. Plus, cleanup is underway across the Chicago area after tornadoes knocked out power and damaged homes. CBS News correspondent Roxana Saberi reports on the severe weather threats across the country.

A tornado that touched down near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport forced travelers to shelter in place, delaying hundreds of flights, while Central Mississippi was drenched by more than a foot of rain in just four hours. Roxana Saberi has the latest on the severe weather conditions across the U.S.

The National Weather Service has confirmed at least three tornados – two in Elgin, and one along a path from Burr Ridge to Stickney – and is surveying other storm damage from possible tornados.