Millions under severe weekend weather risks
(CNN, KYMA/KECY) - 60 million people, from Colorado to Florida, are facing severe weather risks over the weekend.
It comes as cleanup gets underway in Perryton, Texas after a tornado ripped through the small city on Thursday killing three people. The damage and devastation is widespread as portions of the Texas Panhandle are buckling down for more wet weather and heat.
The start of the weekend bringing severe weather threats for millions in the U.S.
There is an enhanced level 3 out of 5 risk of severe weather in Oklahoma, portions of the Texas Panhandle, and southern Kansas into Sunday.
"Know your safe spots get there. An interior room with as many walls as possible or a basement," said Britley Ritz, CNN meteorologist.
Enhanced severe weather risk
Already reeling from an E-F3 tornado that slammed into town this week, Perryton, Texas is in that enhanced severe weather risk category on Saturday.
On Thursday, at least three people including a child were killed, and up to 100 people were sent to the hospital when this violent storm swept through.
"I've seen more tornadoes than I can count. I've never seen the level decimation to a town as I've seen today. The one thing that cannot be rebuilt is a life," said Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.
There were buildings, cars and homes destroyed by the storm in Texas. Residents share frightening details.
"When I opened my room, my roof flew off. My dog tried to run out, and then we went to the restroom and that's where we stayed for the rest of the time," said Orlando Mendoza, Perryton President.
Heat alerts
Meanwhile, more than 40 million people living across parts of Texas, Louisiana and Florida are under heat alerts this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), overall temperatures could reach 10 to 15 degrees above normal, with the potential to break records in some areas.
This heat wave is expected to last through the middle of next week.
Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for communities impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes as cleanup continues.
