More than 20 million Americans in eight states were under red flag warnings Tuesday morning as severe winds and dry conditions have elevated the threat of fire danger.

A three-day severe weather outbreak across the US South and Midwest leaves a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake.

"It literally felt like it was Dorothy off the Wizard of Oz," Laquasia Hughes said after finding her daughter safe Monday morning.

Well-known Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez, who held dual citizenship in Honduras and the United States, was among the dead, according to officials.