CHAPMAN, Kan. -- Two people were killed overnight in northeast Kansas when tornadoes swept through several counties.

A woman was found dead in a yard in Chapman, in Dickinson County. And a man was killed outside his mobile home near Soldier, Kan., in Jackson County.

A tornado estimated to be a half-mile wide hit the town of Chapman about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday. according to a news release from the Kansas Adjutant General's Department.

"It sounds like a freight train rolling in," said Kevin Francis, a Chapman tornado victim. "I'd opened the back door to my house, heard the sound and told them family, 'Get in the basement,' and then it hit. It was that quick.'"

The Kansas National Guard is providing security and supplying a generator to run the water supply to ensure firefighters have water. Gas and power have been shut off in the town as a precaution to prevent incidents, according to the news release.

Local officials said there were downed trees and power lines in the streets. Only emergency crews are being allowed into the town.

According to the American Red Cross, 60 homes were destroyed in Chapman, and more than 50 more were damaged. Shelters have been opened in Abilene and Salina to help more than 200 people displaced by the storm.

"I never wanted to know how this felt, but I do," said Tara Wolf, a high school senior from Chapman.

At least four homes in Jackson County, Kan., were destroyed, according to the American Red Cross. A shelter was opened in Soldier. Highway 62 was closed to the public and county workers were checking on residents door to door.

Manhattan, Kan., sustained extensive tornado damage and several injuries. Trees and power lines are down. Kansas State University sustained damage to several buildings, and cars were tossed around parking lots.

KSU said Thursday's classes have been cancelled, while freshman orientation and enrollment are still planned but will be held at Bramlage Coliseum starting at 8:30 a.m. School vice president Bob Krause said several buildings are without power, and debris litters the campus.

The university said The Wind Erosion Laboratory was destroyed, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house was heavily damaged. No injuries were reported.

The Red Cross can be reached at 785-537-2180.