Nearly 30 killed in Christmas season storms, tornadoes hitting U.S

Storms hit southern and central U.S. states over the Christmas holiday unleashing torrential rains and tornadoes that left nearly 30 people dead, toppled buildings and snarled transportation for millions during a busy travel time. At least 11 people were killed in the Dallas area over the weekend by tornadoes, including one packing winds of up to 200 miles per hour (322 km per hour). That twister hit the city of Garland, killing eight people and blowing vehicles off highways. "A tornado of that strength is very rare in a metropolitan area," National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Bishop said in a telephone interview. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-weather-holiday-idUSKBN0U90DX20151227