Several killed in severe weather in Texas and New Jersey

Several people have died and more are missing after severe weather hit parts of central Texas and New Jersey in the US.

Authorities in New Jersey say at least three people died in the state following heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday night.

On Friday morning, flash flooding in Texas prompted disaster declarations for the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions.

In Kerr County, the sheriff’s office has reported catastrophic flooding with several people missing and confirmed loss of life.

Exactly how many people have died or are missing in Texas has not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Rescues and evacuations have been underway since the early morning and there are warnings of more potential flash flooding to come in the state.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state was providing “all necessary resources to Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt and the entire Texas Hill Country dealing with these devastating floods”.

The region is to the north-west of the city of San Antonio.

Pictures show the deep flood waters swamping bridges and fast moving water swirling down roads.

“Folks, please don’t take chances. Stay alert, follow local emergency warnings, and do not drive through flooded roads,” Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said.

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office told residents near creeks, streams and the Guadalupe River to move to higher ground.

In New Jersey, authorities say among the three killed were two men, aged 79 and 25, who died after a tree fell onto their car in Plainfield during Thursday’s severe storm.

A 44-year-old woman was also killed when a tree fell on her vehicle in North Plainfield.

“Our hearts are heavy today,” said Mayor Adrian Mapp of Plainfield. “This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.”

The storms forced the New Jersey city to cancel its planned 4 July parade and fireworks show.