Tornadoes leave their mark on seven states

At least 17 tornadoes were reported in seven states on Tuesday morning, as the tornado threat continues for parts of the country on Wednesday.

The hurricanes were reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee and South Dakota.

One of the hardest-hit areas of the storm was Barnsdall, Oklahoma, north of Tulsa. According to Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley, one person was killed and several were injured.

Kelley said there was “significant damage” across much of the small town, including several homes that were “totally leveled” and a nursing home that was destroyed.

“We need a lot of prayers,” Kelley told reporters during a news conference after the tornado.

After an initial search, about 25 people were rescued, Kelley said. One person remains missing as another search operation began on Tuesday, he said. Access to the city was closed while authorities conducted the search.

The destructive tornado was the second to hit Barnsdall in recent weeks.

“It’s a devastating blow to people in the community,” Kelley said. “It will be life-changing.”

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, had issued the highest possible severe weather threat warning for multiple intense, widespread tornadoes Monday afternoon and evening.

The tornado threat expands into the Ohio Valley and portions of the southern Great Lakes Wednesday afternoon and evening. The highest risk of tornadoes is from St. Louis via Paducah (Kentucky) and Evansville (Indiana) to Nashville (Tennessee).

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear urged residents to prepare for severe weather — including “potentially significant tornadoes,” flooding, hail and strong winds — that is expected to hit much of the state in the next few days.

“We’ve been through all of this and seen how deadly they can be,” Beshear said during a news conference Tuesday. “That’s why we must take every action now and develop a plan to protect you and your family.”

ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke and Melissa Griffin contributed to this report.