Tornado-hit US region struck again; 2 dead

An overturned semitrailer rests on its side on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40, just east of El Reno, Okla., after a reported tornado touched down, Friday, May 31, 2013. AP

OKLAHOMA CITY— The U.S. region hit by a deadly tornado less than two weeks ago is being slammed again. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a mother and baby were killed, and emergency officials said reports of injuries were “widespread.”

Tornadoes hit Oklahoma City on Friday evening, smashing vehicles along a major highway during rush hour. The highway patrol said a few motorists were missing.

Highway Patrol Trooper Betsy Randolph said troopers found the bodies of the woman and baby near a vehicle along Interstate 40 west of the city.

High winds were forecast for Moore, the suburb where a top-of-the-scale tornado killed 24 on May 20.

Storm chasers were transmitting video showing a number of funnels dropping from the supercell thunderstorm as it passed into Oklahoma City.

Passengers at Will Rogers World Airport were directed into underground tunnels, and inbound and outbound flights were canceled.

Television cameras showed debris falling from the sky. Forecasters warned of a “particularly dangerous situation.”

The region is in part of the Midwest U.S. known as Tornado Alley.

Floodwaters up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) deep hampered rescue attempts.

“We’re scrambling around,” said Lara O’Leary, a spokeswoman for the local ambulance agency. “There is very low visibility with the heavy rain … so we’re having trouble getting around.

“The damage is very, very widespread.”