Rainstorms sweep through southern US states of Texas, Oklahoma

Heavy rainstorms swept through the southern U.S. states of Texas and Oklahoma on Friday, damaging houses and power lines.

According to local TV reports, a tornado, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. local time (2300 GMT) on Friday, severely damaged businesses in Lindale, a town in east Texas.

Fallen trees and power lines were also seen in the town, about 136 km east of the northern Texas city of Dallas.

Around 15 to 20 homes were reportedly damaged or destroyed in a rural area near Big Sandy, about 32 km northeast of Lindale.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Oklahoma, a severe thunderstorm tore through the southern and central parts of the state on Friday afternoon, forming at least two tornadoes and causing damage in Grady County.

The storms, which also brought strong winds and large hail, knocked out power to 429 homes and businesses in the county.

In Houston, the largest city of Texas, heavy rain is still possible on Saturday and a flash flood watch remains in effect through Sunday morning. Enditem

Source: XINHUA