Severe storms bring flooding, wind damage across Kansas, Missouri, Indiana and Alabama

Residents across parts of the Midwest and South are cleaning up after severe storms brought damaging winds, flash flooding and widespread destruction this week.

(CNN)- Residents across parts of the Midwest and South are cleaning up after severe storms brought damaging winds, flash flooding and widespread destruction this week.

In Kansas, powerful storms toppled trees, power poles and scattered debris across communities. Wanda Oaks of Salina said a large tree from across the street crashed into her yard during the storm.

“I heard something big fall. This tree from across the street fell into our yard,” Oaks said.

Strong winds were also blamed for overturning several semi-trucks along interstate highways. Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding across the state, prompting emergency rescues in Topeka after vehicles became stranded in high water early Tuesday.

“The whole car got picked up and moved into the woods,” one resident said.

Another resident described how floodwaters carried a vehicle into a billboard sign. Flooding also caused problems in neighboring Missouri, where rising water filled residential yards and forced road closures in several communities.

“It just kept raising and raising,” said Sullivan resident Elizabeth Smith. “I was like, I don’t know what to do. It’s hitting the front and the back of the house.”

In Indiana, torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding and evacuations in at least one area. Emergency crews responded to numerous calls as floodwaters surged through neighborhoods.

“I’ve been doing this for nearly 30 years. This is the first time that I’ve witnessed something like this,” said Sgt. Ryan Houchen with the Highlander Fire Protection District.

One dramatic scene captured a propane tank being swept downstream by floodwaters while releasing vapor into the air.

Further south, Alabama also experienced significant flooding after heavy rain drenched parts of the state. Floodwaters washed out roads and prompted at least one high-water rescue.

Officials continue to assess damage across the affected states as cleanup efforts get underway and residents recover from the storms.