A powerful storm system roared across the Midwest and South Friday night, unleashing a series of tornadoes that carved paths of destruction and left at least three dead in Missouri.

A quickly-spreading wildfire, fueled by powerful winds, has forced the urgent evacuation of the entire town of Velma, in Stephens County Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is closing parts of OK-7 to keep people out of danger as flames tear through dry grass.

Huntsville and Madison County officials are urging residents to make emergency plans ahead of a long-lasting severe weather system expected to arrive in north Alabama within hours. The National Weather Service says an outbreak of severe storms will be possible statewide throughout Saturday.

With the possibility of severe weather this weekend in Alabama, now is the time to prepare. Here are some tips from the United Way of West Alabama: Gas: Fill up your car’s gas tank in case you need to travel. If you have a generator at home, fill up your tanks and containers. Stay charged: Charge your phone, laptop, backup battery chargers, etc.

The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings early Saturday for areas in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana and Texas.

Damaging straight line winds, large hail and a few tornadoes will all be threats," the National Weather Service said.