Severe winter storm rips across US, deadly tornado hits Kentucky

At least two people were killed and three more injured when a possible tornado ripped through communities near Knoxville, Tennessee, Thursday night causing widespread damage.

Morgan County Emergency Management confirmed the deaths to NBC affiliate WBIR of Knoxville early Friday.

Morgan County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency said in a statement on its Facebook page that a "possible tornado" touched down at 8:27 p.m in the Deer Lodge and Sunbright areas, about 60 miles west of Knoxville.

The agency said this resulted in "severe property damage, injuries, and loss of life," but provided no details on the number of casualties nor the nature of any injuries.

More than 2,700 energy customers were without power as of 5:30 a.m., according to PowerOutage.us, and phone and internet connections have been affected.

"Local, county, and state first responders, along with emergency personnel from multiple agencies and jurisdictions, are actively engaged in search and rescue operations and assessing individual safety," the statement said. More than 100 staff are working to assist those in need, the statement added, and people are urged to avoid the affected areas.