The storms caused "extensive damage to residential and commercial properties," and knocked down power lines, traffic lights, and trees throughout the area, the fire department said. By Sunday night, more than 17,000 people were without power — down from the nearly 82,000 people left in the dark Sunday morning, according to poweroutage.us.

Chances for severe storms span from north Texas to Iowa and could impact major metropolitan areas like Dallas, Oklahoma City and Kansas City.

In the small town of Choctaw, just outside Oklahoma City, authorities said a tornado hit one neighborhood shortly after midnight.