SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — The Latest on severe weather in the central United States (all times local):

5 p.m.

Missouri authorities say heavy rain was a contributing factor in the deaths of two people in a traffic accident near Springfield.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday when the victim's sport utility vehicle skidded across the center of U.S. 160 about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) west of Springfield and struck a tractor-trailer. Patrol Sgt. Jason Pace says it was raining heavily at the time.

The victims were identified as 23-year-old Brandon Beasl...