Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states.

Foreboding predictions of dangerous weekend weather came true as a dynamic storm spawned tornadoes, dust storms and wildfires that killed more than three dozen people.

A massive storm that now pushing off the East Coast has left a trail of destruction, mainly in the South and Midwest, with 40 fatalities now reported. As of around 8:15 a.m. on Monday, March 17, the system is generating widespread rainfall,

Scattered twisters and storm damage led to the deaths of at least 13 people in Missouri, including a 30-year-old man who along with his dog was found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning after he was using a generator indoors during the storm, authorities said. In Arkansas, officials confirmed three deaths.

Throughout the South and Midwest, residents and work crews were beginning to clean up Monday and survey the destruction after severe weather across seven states kicked up a devastating combination of wildfires,

According to the SPC: “The HIGH risk area almost always means a major severe weather outbreak is expected, with great coverage of severe weather and enhanced likelihood of extreme severe (i.e., violent tornadoes or extreme convective wind events over a large area).”

A storm entering on the West Coast will transition into the Rockies and Plains this week, sparking numerous threats ranging from snow-induced travel delays, wildfire threats, damaging winds and severe t-storms. "This discovery is both surprising and exciting."