EL RENO, Okla. (AP) — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says three of the people killed in the state when a powerful tornado roared through central Oklahoma were found north of Interstate 40 and near abandoned vehicles.

OHP Capt. Chris West says the bodies found by troopers on Tuesday were stripped of clothing and more than 300 yards north of the interstate in El Reno.

West says it's unclear if the victims were sucked out of their vehicles as the tornado crossed the interstate or if they were trying to seek shelter from the storms.

West says the medical examiner's office is working to identify the victims. He says the bodies were "unrecognizable."

West says several unattended vehicles believed to belong to the victims were found "tossed around" near where the bodies were found.