The Latest: Wind damage reported in north Louisiana

TULSA, Okla. – The latest on severe weather in the southern U.S. (all times local):

6:30 a.m.

Severe thunderstorms are moving across the lower Mississippi River Valley, bringing hail, damaging winds and the threat of some tornadoes.

The National Weather Service says the heavy rain may produce flash flooding in some areas Thursday.

Forecaster Cynthia Palmer in Shreveport, Louisiana, says strong winds down trees over a highway in Union and Bienville parishes Wednesday night.

Palmer says there was also flash flooding in the same area that closed several roads. She says the rain totaled between 4 to 6 inches.

In Wilkinson County, Mississippi, hail the size of golf balls was reported in two locations, while strong winds damaged trees about 9 miles west of Woodville.

Forecasters are predicting more of the same for Louisiana and Mississippi on Thursday.

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4:55 a.m.

Authorities say at least seven people were injured after severe storms spawned multiple tornado touchdowns in northeastern Oklahoma.

National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Jankowski said a tornado touched down and lifted up numerous times Wednesday night as it swept through the northern Tulsa and Owasso areas.

Tulsa Fire Department spokesman Stan May says about a square mile of a mostly residential area sustained damage. He says one home was destroyed and other residences and businesses sustained roof and structural damage.

Emergency Medical Services Authority, an ambulance service provider, said it transported seven patients to a hospital. Spokeswoman Kelli Bruer said one was in critical condition and several were in serious condition.