TEXAS (REUTERS) - Three homes were destroyed overnight in Rockwall, North Texas, after severe storms roared through the area, tearing off rooftops and scattering debris.

At least 15 tornadoes were reported across the state with wind speeds registering up to 90 miles per hour.

In Fort Worth, the storm ripped away the brick facade from an apartment building, scattering the debris in all directions.

"I just heard a lot of wind, a lot of rain last night. I didn't think it would come to this, but to walk outside and see this is kind of devastating, but it happens, it happens. You just gotta pick up and keeping." said resident John Diarse.

Elsewhere, power lines were downed, leaving at least 250,000 people without electricity in Dallas and Tarrant counties.

Three storm chasers in the area were killed in a car crash as the tornadoes were gathering strength.

No other deaths were reported, but there were minor injuries.