Strong storms, including tornadoes, winds and hail moved through parts of the central US, killing at least two people, causing injuries, destroying houses and leaving thousands without power, the Associated Press reported. The National Weather Service began issuing tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings Wednesday evening in Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa, with forecasters warning people to find shelter. Central Oklahoma saw multiple tornadoes, including one that raced through the communities of Shawnee and Cole on Wednesday night. Authorities said at least two people were killed in the small town of Cole in McClain County, about 41 kilometres south of Oklahoma City. There also were injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to some requiring hospitalisation, although the numbers were not immediately clear as hundreds of people fanned out in search operations. Power lines also were torn down, trees toppled and houses and other buildings badly damaged or destroyed. Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee and an airport were damaged by the tornado that later moved off and weakened. At the peak of the severe weather, more than 23,000 customers were without electricity throughout Oklahoma.
