Severe storms and tornadoes are causing destruction and claiming lives in the central United States, just two days after scores of people were killed in the state of Missouri, in the deadliest tornado to hit the United States in nearly 60 years.
Emergency officials say at least four people died Tuesday in Oklahoma, and several dozen others were injured. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
Storms also were battering parts of Kansas and northern Texas. The National Weather Service was warning of severe thunderstorms, more tornadoes, baseball-sized hail and strong winds.
Severe thunderstorms also threatened Joplin, Missouri, where on Sunday a devastating tornado crushed cars, uprooted trees and ripped apart buildings. At least 122 people died in that storm, and more victims may be found as rescuers are still searching through the wreckage.
U.S. President Barack Obama says he will travel to the storm-devastated area on Sunday. Speaking during a visit to London Tuesday, Mr. Obama pledged that the federal government will use all available resources to help the victims recover and rebuild.
Weather officials say 481 people have now been killed in the country this year by tornadoes, the deadliest toll since the 519 recorded in 1953.
Last month, tornadoes and violent thunderstorms killed more than 300 people across the southern United States. Alabama bore the brunt of the fatalities, with more than 200 dead.
