The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of metro New Orleans — specifically the River Parishes and the northshore — through 6 p.m. Saturday. The weather service said numerous strong tornadoes, large hail and wind gusts of up to 75 mph are expected as a storm system moves through the area this afternoon.

Western Georgia is expected to see the highest tornado threat and many areas are in a 4 out 5 risk. All of metro Atlanta and north Georgia are under a tornado watch until 4 a.m. >

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.

Large and destructive tornadoes are carving paths of destruction across the South for the second day in a row.

Tornadoes have struck the Midwest and South, leaving widespread damage in their wake. Learn more about the impact and where the storms are heading next here.

The man last known to be seen with a University of Pittsburgh student before she vanished from a beach in the Dominican Republic gave more details to local prosecutors about the last time he saw her,