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 moving east.

At least 14 people were dead and dozens injured after violent tornadoes swept across the central United States, officials said Saturday.