Severe thunderstorms and flooding rainfall are pounding a large portion of the central and southern United States Monday, including areas still recovering from destructive storms over the weekend.

The storms caused "extensive damage to residential and commercial properties," and knocked down power lines, traffic lights, and trees throughout the area, the fire department said. By Sunday night, more than 17,000 people were without power — down from the nearly 82,000 people left in the dark Sunday morning, according to poweroutage.us.

Severe weather remains a threat in parts of Oklahoma after strong storms and apparent tornadoes overnight ripped roofs off buildings and knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses.