A cross-country storm is strengthening as it moves over the central United States Friday and pounding the region with damaging hurricane-force winds that are creating a blinding dust storm and a “catastrophic” fire risk.

WWL-Louisiana meteorologist Payton Malone said that a "tornado outbreak is looking more and more likely across the Deep South."

A severe weather system is set to bring a risk of tornadoes and hurricane-like winds to the central and eastern United States in the coming days as millions prepare for the extreme weather