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.

Violent tornadoes and high winds decimated homes, wiped out schools and toppled semitractor-trailers as a monster storm that killed at least 32 people ripped its way across the central and southern U.

"Shelters have opened their doors, and people are stepping up to help however they can. The ‘Show-Me’ spirit is alive and strong in the face of this disaster."

At least four tornadoes hit the Chicagoland area overnight amid severe storms, according to the National Weather Service. The storms have downed trees and powerlines across the area, with Paulding County being one of the hardest hit areas.