RPT-BNSF says its freight train derailed in storm-hit Arkansas

April 3 (Reuters) - The United States' BNSF Railway on Wednesday said it had received a preliminary report of a freight train derailment near the northeastern city of Bay in Arkansas state, an area that was hit by storms and tornadoes in the day.

BNSF did not specify the reason for derailment, but said the incident happened around 6:50 p.m. CDT on Wednesday.

The railroad group said the mainline had been affected due to the derailment and that an estimated time for reopening the track had not yet been determined.

Tornadoes ripped across a wide swath of central and southern United States on Wednesday, destroying homes and businesses and bringing down power lines and trees.

The severe storms impacted multiple cities including Bay in Craighead County in Arkansas, CNN reported, citing county administrator Brandon Shrader.

BNSF did not respond to a request for comment on the reason for derailment outside regular business hours.