At least 18 people died in severe storms that swept through the Midwest late Friday, authorities said.
Eleven fatalities were reported in Missouri where strong winds of 80mph and tornadoes wreaked havoc and caused extensive damage to properties.
Three people died in Independence County, Arkansas, while four died in Texas, officials said.
Nearly 300,000 families were left without power across five states: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas and Arkansas.
Severe weather and tornado watches are still in effect for eight states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.
Significant and potentially violent tornadoes are expected in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, the Storm Prediction Center warned.
The Southeast could see large hail and damaging winds by Sunday afternoon as the major cross-country storm system continues.
