OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin says the severe weather danger is far from over after a series of tornadoes that have killed at least eight people across Oklahoma City and its suburbs.

Fallin says "this event will likely continue for some time."

Forecasters say the violent weather could continue beyond nightfall.

Dozens of people have been injured by the storms in several counties and Fallin says authorities are in "search and rescue mode." At least a dozen communities are affected.

The Oklahoma storms started about 3 p.m. and state offices and many businesses let workers go home early to get out of harm's way. Fallin says she hopes that helped save some lives.