Tornadoes tore through the central part of the United States today destroying cities in at least 3 different states. Local authorities have confirmed 11 deaths in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma. According to authorities damage is “widespread” after a tornado hit Mayflower, Arkansas and there are reports of numerous injuries. Damage is also significant in Vilonia, Arkansas. “I can’t even get down the main street down to the middle of town,” Vilonia Mayor James Firestone said. Interstate 40 was shut down so authorities could remove debris. The interstate has since been reopened.
Witnesses also spotted a tornado in Quapaw, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Emergency Management said several buildings in the city were damaged.
Officials in Baxter Springs, Kansas say multiple people are injured by a tornado that also caused extensive property damage. A sheriff’s dispatcher says there have been no deaths reported after the tornado struck the southeast Kansas town shortly after 5:30 p.m. Baxter Springs is only 6 miles north of Quapaw, Oklahoma.
Stay up to date on the weather by following us on Twitter at @UATV and be sure to tune in tomorrow night at 9 for updates from all around the state.