A relentless barrage of violent tornadoes, raging wildfires, and blinding dust storms has unleashed catastrophic destruction across the central and southern United States, leaving at least 33 people dead and communities shattered.

At least four tornadoes hit the Chicagoland area overnight amid severe storms, according to the National Weather Service. Severe storms that passed through Georgia Saturday night into Sunday morning caused lots of damage.

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.