Heartland Tornadoes Kill 7 in Arkansas

Severe storms spawned twisters in America's heartland today, knocking out power, toppling tractor-trailers, and killing seven people in Arkansas, the AP reports. Up to 25 tornadoes also hit Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, a state where hail smashed windshields and storms derailed railway cars. “It just seems like we’re getting pounded,” one official said.

Tornadoes hit homes in several Arkansas regions, one toppling a tree that crushed a sleeping teen on top of her brother, who emerged alive, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports. Officials reported property damage in Kansas City, Mo., and Derby fans in neighboring Kentucky fear delays as the system may linger for tomorrow’s race. (More Arkansas stories.)