Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Harnett, Lee, Sampson, Scotland and Richmond counties are among 11 central N.C. counties under a tornado watch until 2 p.m. Sunday. The watch was later extended to an additional 20 counties, imcluding Chatham.

A tornado warning is in effect until 10 a.m. for Stanly County, North Carolina. The storm is moving toward Ablemarle in the Big Lick area.

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.

At least 18 people are dead after severe weather hit parts of Missouri, Texas and Arkansas overnight, officials said. Eleven storm-related fatalities were reported in the Missouri counties of Ozark, Butler,