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.

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

At least 18 people are dead after severe weather hit parts of Missouri, Texas and Arkansas overnight, officials said. Eleven storm-related fatalities were reported in the Missouri counties of Ozark, Butler,