3 dead, 75-100 injured after multiple tornadoes hit Perryton

PERRYTON, Texas (KVII) — At least three people are dead and 75-100 injured after multiple tornadoes hit Perryton.

Two people are also missing, according to the Ochiltree County Sheriff's Office.

Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher told ABC 7 one of those killed was in a mobile home park that took a "direct hit" from a tornado.

Dutcher said at least 30 trailers were damaged or destroyed.

Three tornadoes were spotted on the ground in Perryton just after 5 p.m. Thursday.

There is also wide spread damage in downtown.

"We are urging people to stay at home and allow emergency services to do their jobs." said the sheriff's office. "A curfew has been put in place from 12-6 a.m. People driving in the damaged areas is slowing down operations."

Debbie Beck, CFO of Ochiltree General Hospital, confirmed to ABC News that they have treated 50 to 100 patients related to tornado injuries.

The injuries range from minor to severe, according to Dutcher, and multiple patients have be transferred to trauma centers.

Beck said that the hospital was out of power, and they don't have an exact number of patients from the tornado as they are doing paperwork manually. No victims died at the hospital and some patients were transferred to Northwest Texas Hospital, according to Beck.

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"Please keep the Perryton community in your prayers," said State Rep. Four Price. "They were hit by a tornado earlier tonight and will need lots of help and support."

Price said the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Governor Greg Abbott’s office is mobilizing resources.

"TDEM is moving everything that way -- search and rescue, medical, etc." said Price. "Many structures are damaged. The state is engaging additional medical help to triage ER, and rostering resources."

"The State of Texas is swiftly deploying critical emergency response resources to provide all necessary support and assistance to protect Texans and help those impacted by tornadoes in Perryton," said Governor Greg Abbott. "I encourage all Texans to heed the guidance of state and local officials and to take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones. We remain ready to quickly provide any additional resources needed over the course of this severe weather event."

Xcel Energy reported 4,554 customers without power as of 7:45 p.m. Thursday.

Crews are assessing damage.

"Currently, the city is without power as facilities have been de-energized for safety purposes," said Wes Reeves. "Transmission lines supplying the city with electricity have sustained damage and many lower voltage distribution lines are down in the city. An estimated time of restoration is not yet available."

Perryton ISD opened an emergency shelter at the gym.

Athletic Director Cole Underwood said they have showers, blankets. food, flashlights and whatever people need.

The district is working on getting generators.

Shelters are also set up at the Ochiltree County Expo Center and Community Worship Center.

If you need help locating a loved one, call the Ochiltree County Sheriff's Office or 1-800-RedCross and follow options for reporting a disaster.

First responders around the panhandle are sending resources to help.

Amarillo Police Department

Two officers will help with aerial surveillance and assess if more help is needed

Amarillo Fire Department

The Amarillo Fire Department sent its AMBUS with multiple personnel and a chase unit.

Amarillo Medical Services

AMS sent five ambulances to assist in Perryton

Borger Police Department

Officers are en route to Perryton to help our neighbors.

"Please keep the citizens of Perryton, as well as our local responders and responders from the surrounding area that are on their way to help in your prayers."

Hutchinson County Sheriff’s Office

The Hutchinson County Sheriffs Office is responding to Perryton to assist with rescue and emergency operations after the City was hit with a "devastating tornado."

Stinnett EMS

Stinnett EMS will be going to assist as well. "Keeping the town of Perryton in our prayers as well as all first responders headed to help in this time of disaster."

Another tornado was spotted eight miles south of Waka.