Tornadoes tear through Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Authorities say one person was killed in the tornadoes that struck parts of Arkansas.

Cleburne County Sheriff Marty Moss said Thursday that one person died, but he declined to identify the victim or provide more details.

Officials have said that four people were injured in the tornadoes Wednesday night and three of them had major injuries. Moss would not say whether it was one of those four who later died.

About 1,600 customers were without power Thursday morning while crews began surveying the destruction.

The tornadoes and high winds caused damage from the southwest corner of Arkansas to the northeastern part of the state.

Forecasters say moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, a wetter-than-usual winter and a jet stream racing over Tornado Alley could contribute to a rapid uptick in violent storms.