WASHINGTON, June 16, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - A "horrific" tornado ripped through a
northern Texas town Thursday causing widespread destruction, with reports
that at least three people were killed and up to 100 others injured.

Several million Americans across multiple southern and midwestern states were
under severe weather alerts as dangerous storms fueled by high temperatures
battered the region, bringing tornadoes, thunderstorms and hail the size of
golf balls.

Tornado, severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings were in effect in parts
of Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida.

A fierce tornado slammed Perryton, a town of some 8,000 people in the Texas
Panhandle, on Thursday evening with storm-chaser drone video showing several
buildings including mobile homes destroyed or damaged, trees uprooted and
vehicles overturned.

Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher told ABC News that three people were
confirmed dead and an estimated 100 had been treated at local hospitals with
minor to severe injuries. Some patients were transferred to trauma centers,
he said.

A trailer park in the area was one of the locations that took a direct hit,
according to Dutcher.

In a statement, Governor Greg Abbott said "Texas is swiftly deploying
critical emergency response resources to provide all necessary support and
assistance to protect Texans and help those impacted by tornadoes in
Perryton," including search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and crews
aiming to restore electricity and water service.

"I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for our fellow Texans who
have been impacted by this horrific storm. Stay safe, Texas."

A state lawmaker, Representative Four Price, said on Facebook that "many
structures are damaged" and "the state is engaging additional medical help to
triage ER."

"This is a serious situation," he added.

Storm chaser Brian Emfinger, who shot drone footage over Perryton, said he
saw "significant damage" including in the industrial section of town.

"Unfortunately northwest of there, there is just mobile home after mobile
home after mobile home that is just completely destroyed. There is
significant damage," Emfinger told Fox Weather's YouTube channel.

The National Weather Service reported a tornado watch was in effect for parts
of north and central Texas including Dallas, a city of 1.2 million people.

"Large hail and damaging wind gusts are the main threats, but a tornado or
two can't be ruled out," NWS said in a statement.