At least 12 fatalities have been reported in Missouri, according to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency. The deaths come as a massive storm system moving across the country unleashed winds that damaged buildings, whipped up deadly dust storms and fanned more than 100 wildfires.

Violent tornadoes that ripped through parts of the U.S. proved deadly as well as destructive as whipping winds moved east into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South on Saturday, with at least 17 people killed and scores of homes decimated.

The watch, which had been anticipated, is in effect until 3 a.m. on Sunday and its issuance comes as a large area of deadly and dangerous weather moves across Alabama.