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

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.

After deadly storms scourged the Heartland, volunteers are gathering from across the area to help with relief and recovery efforts.

"Get to the sturdiest structure you have access to and remain in place until the storms pass," the NWS told residents in Alabama on Saturday night, when multiple tornado warnings were issued. At least 250,

Multiple deadly tornadoes tore through the Midwest on Friday, killing at least 16 people. Why It Matters. The month of March traditionally marks the beginning of tornado season in