A massive winter storm has spawned multiple tornadoes that toppled buildings, injured many and caused widespread damage across much of the United States.
Emergency services including sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, volunteers and a dog team searched for debris after a tornado struck about 10 miles from Shreveport, Louisiana, on Tuesday.
Two people were missing, one was injured and several buildings were damaged, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
Officials said their search was now focused on missing people after the tornado tore through Fort Four.
“I hope they are reunited with their families somewhere,” Sgt. Casey Jones said.
There were no immediate reports of deaths.
blizzard warning
Photo: Associated Press
In the far northwest, a blizzard warning was in place for an area stretching from Montana to western Nebraska and Colorado, and the National Weather Service said parts of western South Dakota and northwestern Nebraska could experience Two feet (0.6 meters) of snow.
Ice and sleet are expected in the eastern Great Plains.
Forecasters expect the storm system to encounter ice, rain and snow for several days in the upper Midwest and into the northeast and central Appalachians.
Residents from West Virginia to Vermont were also told to watch out for possible snow, ice and sleet, with the National Weather Service issuing a winter storm watch from Wednesday night through Friday afternoon.
Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle also have severe weather threats through Wednesday, according to the Oklahoma Storm Prediction Center.
In the south, a train of thunderstorms brought tornadoes and destructive tornadoes in northern Texas and Oklahoma in the early morning hours, said National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Bradshaw. Wind, hail and heavy rain.
Tornado damage in Grapevine, Texas.Photo: Associated Press
flight delay
Authorities reported dozens of Homes and businesses damaged, several injured in suburb and counties north of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The tornado warning prompted Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to issue a “shelter-in-place” order Tuesday morning, asking passengers to stay away from windows, the airport announced on Twitter.
More than 1,000 flights in and out of airports in the region were delayed and more than 100 canceled, according to tracking service FlightAware.
In nearby Grapevine, police spokeswoman Amanda McNew reported five confirmed injuries.
“We’re starting to examine the damage to property, businesses, homes and roads across the city,” she said.
Images showed downed power lines, downed trees and damaged buildings on rain-soaked streets, with what appeared to be a trailer being thrown around a car park.
Tornado damage in Grapevine, Texas.Photo: Associated Press
Clean up the wreckage in Oklahoma.Photo: Associated Press
ROAD CLOSED
Meanwhile, a tornado devastated the Oklahoma town of Wayne shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Caused widespread damage, but no casualties.
Roads were closed throughout northeastern Colorado.Photo: Associated Press
Trees felled in Oklahoma.Photo: Associated Press
In parts of Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota, power outages, damaged trees, fallen branches and hazardous travel conditions threatened the region.
“Basically no one is traveling right now,” said Justin McCallum, manager of the Flying J truck stop in Ogallala, Nebraska.
In Colorado, all roads were closed in the northeast quadrant of the state.