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 moveing east.

At least 17 people have been killed in a tornado outbreak in the Midwest and the South, according to multiple organizations, such as the National Weather Service (NWS), and outlets, including CNN.