As many as three powerful tornadoes hit a town in North Texas, in the American South, yesterday, causing widespread damage, especially in a trailer park, as well as homes, and media reports of at least three deaths and dozens of injuries.

More broadly, US Midwest and Southern states have been placed on extreme weather alert: thunderstorms and gales are expected boosted by recent heat waves.

In Perryton, Texas, a town of about 8,500, Fire Chief Paul Dutcher said at least three people were dead and dozens were injured, according to local ABC News affiliate KVII.

Videos shared on social media by tornado chasers and civilians, as well as footage captured by television cameras, show damaged or destroyed buildings and many uprooted trees.

According to the mayor, Kerry Simons, the situation is “very bad”, things are “non-stop bad”, as “vulnerable” areas have been affected, resulting in people losing their lives; however, he stressed that he will not be able to give an account of the victims before several hours have passed.

Ochiltree County General Hospital in Perryton said it had not received any bodies, however, according to Debbie Beck, an executive at that health facility, they were being transferred to larger institutions with critically injured patients.

In all, according to Mrs. Beck, care was offered to about a hundred people, with more or less serious injuries. Earlier, Fire Chief Dutcher said at least 75 were injured.

According to KVII, at least 30 caravans were damaged or destroyed.

“Jane and I are praying for the people of Perryton tonight. I am in contact with Mayor Simons and this tragedy is being followed closely by myself and my entire staff,” said Republican Rep. Ronnie Jackson, who is running for Texas.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, announced that state disaster response teams were being deployed to the area.

Perryton is a relatively mixed distance from the Texas-Oklahoma border.

Tornadoes, a spectacular and difficult to predict meteorological phenomenon, are common in the US, especially in the central and southern parts of the country.