Storm death toll expected to increase as flood-hit areas searched

Nine people, including two children, died in Oklahoma as a result of Friday night’s tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Flash floods in Arkansas had killed three earlier that day, including a sheriff attempting a water rescue.

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin toured a community college and stockyard in El Reno yesterdat and said afterward that eight counties in the metro Oklahoma City area sustained wind or flooding damage. She warned that more victims are likely to be found by emergency services.

She said the Federal Emergency Management Agency has 600 workers assessing damage and working with state and local officials to prepare for recovery.

Mrs Fallin did not say how many people are believed to be missing, but the governor stressed that crews continued to search flooded areas.

She also said 115 people were injured.