Deadly tornado rips through Perryton, Texas, amid US storm

BBC News:

A deadly tornado swept through a northern Texas town on Thursday evening as an intense storm system swept southern US states.

The mayor of Perryton, which is near the Oklahoma border, said the tornado caused deaths but could not say how many.

The tornado destroyed communication towers and a trailer home park.

Surrounding areas are sending emergencies crews to assist Perryton, home to about 8,000 people.

There are 75 in hospital said Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher.

At least 30 mobile homes took a “direct hit” from the tornado and were damaged or destroyed, according to Mr Dutcher.

The local hospital, Ochiltree General Hospital, told ABC News they are operating on generators amid widespread power outages.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported the tornado touched down around 17:00 local time (23:00 BST) on Thursday.

Republican US Representative Ronny Jackson said on Twitter that he is “praying for the people of Perryton tonight” and, in addition to being in touch with Perryton’s mayor, is monitoring the situation with his staff.

Multiple tornadoes may have hit the town, according to local media.

The severe weather threat will continue for southern states over the weekend. States across the Plains and mid-south could see more hail and damaging winds, but tornadoes are a possibility.