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Cleanup Begins After Storms Rip Across Midwestern US


First responders work to free a passenger from a truck involved in an accident on Interstate Highway 35 during severe weather in Moore, Okla., May 6, 2015.
First responders work to free a passenger from a truck involved in an accident on Interstate Highway 35 during severe weather in Moore, Okla., May 6, 2015.

Residents in the midwestern U.S. states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Nebraska, began cleaning up after a series of tornadoes strafed the region, killing one person and injuring at least 12 others.

More than 40 tornadoes touched down across the region damaging nearly three dozen homes, as well as businesses and farmland. One woman who sought safety in her home's storm shelter died when it flooded in Wednesday night's storms, Oklahoma police said.

The damage mainly occurred in Oklahoma, especially on the outskirts of the capital, Oklahoma City. At least 12 people were injured, and thousands of homes and businesses remain without power.

Heavy rain from the storms triggered flash flooding in Oklahoma City, as well as in Lincoln, Nebraska, and two counties in northern Texas.

"I just think that the destruction is a lot more serious and worse than I imagine," said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. "It's a relatively small and defined area, but the destruction is total."

Weather forecasters have predicted more severe weather for the area later in the week.

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