14:34, 25 December 2009 | GMT +5
Winter storm sweeps across central U.S.
WASHINGTON. December 25. KAZINFORM A major winter storm is sweeping across the central United States rapidly on Christmas Eve Thursday, prompting the governor of Oklahoma to declare a statewide emergency; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

"I am urging all Oklahomans to take winter storm precautions and stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary," Brad Henry, the governor, said in a statement.
Blizzard warnings were issued for parts of Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service, or NWS.
"Anyone with travel plans over the Christmas holiday period should keep up to date with the latest weather information," it said in an online statement.
Tornado watches were issued for southern Louisiana, Mississippi and southwestern Alabama.
A Louisiana man was killed Thursday when strong wind caused a tree to fall on his house; Kazinform cites Xinhua.
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