Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states.

Millions of Americans across the country are on alert for a severe weather outbreak as violent, long-track tornadoes with damaging winds of up to 80 mph and large hail are expected across the Midwest and South with the cross-country storm moveing east.

Meanwhile, the severe weather threat will linger through Sunday from Florida northward into the upper Ohio River Valley, forecasters warned.

A deadly tornado outbreak ripped through Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi overnight Friday, leaving destruction, power outages and tragic loss in its wake.

At least 18 people are dead across three states following a widespread and dangerous severe weather outbreak, which started on Friday.

A tornado outbreak swept across 13 states Friday and Saturday, with dozens of tornadoes responsible for 24 deaths and the destruction of countless homes and businesses across 12 states. It was the deadliest tornado outbreak since March 31 - April 1,