"Some tornadoes could be long-lasting, adding to the danger, especially for those that occur after dark." The storm is expected to bring severe thunderstorms to the East Coast on Sunday,

The weather cut a swathe of destruction across an area of the country that is home to more than 100 million people.

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.

Meanwhile, the severe weather threat will linger through Sunday from Florida northward into the upper Ohio River Valley, forecasters warned.