Deadly tornadoes tear through Arkansas

Tornadoes ripping through central Arkansas have killed at least three people, injured 25 others and destroyed several homes, authorities said today.

State Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Renee Preslar said teams were searching for people who may be trapped in a damaged home in Center Ridge, north of Little Rock.

She said three people were killed and three homes destroyed in nearby Van Buren County.

Arkansas State Police said tornado sightings had been reported just north in Culpepper and a sheriff’s dispatcher said a sighting was also reported in the Oakland area, near the Missouri border.

Trees and power lines were down along interstates in both areas.