'Extremely dangerous' tornado near Indianapolis

The National Weather Service said on Wednesday a "confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado" was located near Indianapolis, Indiana, and was moving east at 20 miles per hour (32 kmh).

A tornado was reported east-northeast of downtown Indianapolis on Interstate 70, the NWS said in a bulletin, citing law enforcement sources.

Local television station WTHR reported a large tornado in Kokomo had flattened a Starbucks coffee shop at a shopping mall.

Click through images from Indiana:

Footage on the broadcaster's website showed a dark swirling storm with flashes of lightning and thunder as cars drove along wet roads in the area.

Howard County emergency management and sheriff's office officials said they were gathering information on the extent of damage in the area and whether there were any casualties.

"Please avoid any areas affected by the tornados - do not drive to look at damage - allow emergency crews to do their work," the county tweeted.

(Reporting by Eric Walsh in Washington and Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; Editing by Tim Ahmann and Matthew Lewis)