A monster storm system carrying a high risk tornado threat is barreling through the Southeast after unleashing deadly tornadoes, fierce winds and devastating damage across the Plains and Midwest.

Over the past 24 hours, more than 40 reported tornadoes have swept across eight states in the Midwest and South -- and the dangerous severe weather threat continues. The eight states with reported tornadoes in the past day are Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee.