Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states.

A dynamic storm that prompted foreboding predictions of dangerous weekend weather spawned tornadoes, dust storms and wildfires that killed at least 39 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.

By Rich McKay ATLANTA (Reuters) -Tornadoes killed at least 33 people across several states in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast on Saturday night, CNN reported. Missouri reported 12 fatalities spanning five counties,

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.

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

Nine of the 12 fatalities reported during last week's severe weather outbreak occurred in Wayne and Ozark counties.