A powerful storm system that tore across the United States in recent days is winding down Monday, but in its wake are devastated communities across states hit with violent tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms spun off by the massive system.

Thousands of power outages were reported Saturday as a deadly severe weather outbreak moved across the Midwest and South.

The most fatalities were in Missouri. Forecasters warned that tornadoes, hail and violent winds continue to threaten states in the Deep South, from Louisiana to Georgia.

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 moving east.

Millions of Americans across the country are on alert for a severe weather outbreak with violent, long-track tornadoes with damaging winds of up to 80 mph and large hail

A deadly tornado outbreak ripped through the Midwest and South over the weekend, leaving destruction, power outages and tragic loss in its wake.