Towns in Oklahoma and Missouri hit by last night's storms begin the clean up effort.
Substantial damage was done from Barnsdall to Bartlesville last night as a large tornado moved through the area. Early reports indicate at least one person in the Barnsdall area has died as a result of the severe weather. Downed power lines in the area have left thousands without power and significant damage to structures and homes has been reported. The Barnsdall high School Field House has been opened to those in need of shelter.
Most of the damage in Bartlesville appears to have occurred around the U.S. 75 and Tuxedo area. Washington County Undersheriff Jon Copeland says people need to avoid the storm-damaged areas.
Authorities in the Joplin area also report damage to structures and loss of power as a tornado was reported there between 9th and 20th streets from Rangeline to Duquesne. In Elk County, Kansas, near Howard there are about 500 customers without power after severe weather there last night.
According to the National Weather Service, at least fifteen tornadoes touched down in the central U.S. last night, seven of which were in Oklahoma.
Photos of Damage in Bartlesville (Images by Kaleb Potter)
