In Texas, authorities in Lamar County said at least 50 homes were wrecked and 10 people were treated at one hospital, including two with critical injuries.
At least one person has been killed and dozens were injured after Keli Cain, of the state’s emergency management office, said at least three other counties were also hit by storms, causing flooding.
The National Weather Service said tornadoes were also reported in Texas and Arkansas and a storm system was heading towards Louisiana.
Texas leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Search and rescue teams have been sent to the worst-hit areas with people trapped in ruined buildings.
Storms have also caused flash flooding in some parts.
Two towns to bear the brunt of the tornadoes were Powderly in Texas and Idabel in Oklahoma which both lie close to the border between the two states.
Idabel is located in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, in the southeastern corner of the state, where the authorities confirmed one fatality.
The town saw a church, medical centre and school torn apart.
Steven Carter, an emergency management coordinator for McCurtain County, said: “There was total destruction on the south and east sides of Idabel.”
Emergency workers equipped with generators have been sent to the area to search for missing residents.
Keli Cain, of the state’s emergency management office, said at least three other counties were also hit by storms, causing flooding.
