Midwest, South still threatened by severe weather

By the CNN Wire Staff STORY HIGHLIGHTSParts of seven states under tornado watch early WednesdayThe watches are set to expire later Wednesday morning.Obama signs North Carolina disaster declarationThe weather service confirms at least 114 tornadoes in last week's stormsIf severe weather happens near you, we want to hear your story. Share your photos and videos with CNN iReport, but please be careful. See more from CNN affiliate WHAS.

(CNN) -- The threat of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes continued Wednesday to hang over portions of the Midwest and South, after another round of violent weather pummeled parts of both regions the day before, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service early Wednesday placed portions of eastern Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia and West Virginia under a tornado watch until 9 a.m. Wednesday. Parts of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee remain under a tornado watch until 10 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

So far, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths from the latest round of storms, according to emergency management officials and law enforcement. Last week, violent storms and tornadoes killed at least 46 people in the southeastern United States.

Early Wednesday morning, firefighters in Celina, Ohio, battled blazes that broke out after severe weather swept through the area. The fires damaged multiple homes and business, according to Lt. Chris Klein of the Celina fire department.

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Homes burned, threatened by massive fire in Texas

By the CNN Wire Staff STORY HIGHLIGHTSFire burns more than 71,786 acres in three countiesFire traveled 12 miles in less than four hours, official saidTwo homes burned, 12 others are threatened, according to the Texas Forest Service (CNN) -- A fast-moving fire has charred more than 71,786 acres in three Texas counties, and it's expected to grow, the state's forest service said Friday.

The blaze, which started in Stonewall County, moved quickly into neighboring Knox and King counties, destroying two homes and threatening at least a dozen more, said April Saginor, a Texas Forest Service worker.

According to Saginor, on Thursday, the flames traveled 12 miles in less than four hours, jumping the Brazos River and leaving only charred debris in its path.

Air tankers have dropped at least 58,000 gallons of retardant on the massive fire, and officials said they believe it will take several more days before they get it under control.

"Last night, it looked like it was snowing because there was white ash falling from the sky," Knox County attorney Megan Suarez said.

Despite heavy smoke and zero containment of the fire in Knox County, Suarez said there have been no evacuations so far.

Local officials are handling an unconfirmed number of evacuations in other counties, Saginor said.

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