Children dead in the chaos: "The search is ongoing"

Texas

At least five dead in tornado chaos in the US

Adam Westin

Updated 13.36 | Published 07.26

Texas and Oklahoma are hit by extreme heat, golf ball-sized hail - and tornadoes.

A strong storm hit just north of Dallas last night, where a gas station collapsed.

Five people are reported to have died in the storm, including children.

A gas station has been demolished by the tornado in Texas. Photo: City Of Denton Fire Department

During yesterday, several storm warnings were sent out for Texas and Oklahoma, in the middle of the United States.

The weather service in Fort Worth wrote that a thunderstorm capable of producing tornadoes was on its way. So-called "mobile homes" would likely be destroyed.

“TAKE PROTECTION NOW! Move to the lowest floor of a stable building and avoid windows. If you are outdoors or in a vehicle, move to the nearest shelter and protect yourself from flying debris,” they write.

There is also a warning of hail the size of golf balls.

Five are said to have died - children are missing

During the night, local time, there were reports of very large devastation along a major road, where, among other things, a gas station collapsed.

The rescue service in Denton, just north of Dallas, states that a major rescue operation has been launched at a marina where several people are said to be stuck.

Local channel WFAA reports that five people died in the storm - including children. In addition, two children are missing.

- Daylight is coming and we are now really starting to see the devastation that has taken place, says Ray Sappington, sheriff of Cooke County, to CNN.

The worst affected area is said to be just under a mile in diameter.

- A large number of resources have joined from neighboring counties and helped us during the night. But it is very challenging with power lines and fallen trees. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, said Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington.

The chaos coincides with Memorial Day, which takes place tomorrow and is a commemoration of American soldiers who have died in war.

A campsite where celebrators of the holiday have gathered has been hit by the tornado. Rescue efforts are underway for many who are stuck, writes photojournalist Brian Emfinger at X.

High temperatures

While temperatures further south in Texas can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, corresponding to 49 degrees Celsius, AP writes.

The risk of wildfire is high in the area, as well as in West Texas, all of New Mexico and parts of Oklahoma, Arizona and Colorado.

"We have very dry air, high temperatures and strong winds that create a high fire risk over a large area. That can lead to rapid spread or uncontrollable fires, Zack Taylor, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, told SP.