A Tornado WATCH is in effect for North Central Arkansas until 11 p.m. Friday as strong to severe storms capable of producing tornadoes are expected this evening. More watches may be issued for eastern Arkansas later tonight.

Three people are confirmed dead following a tornado outbreak in Alabama. Two people died in Plantersville and one person died in Winterboro. Sign up for our Newsletters. Video abo

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.

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