O KLAHOMA CITY — The threat of violent tornadoes in 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 16 people killed and scores of homes decimated.

A powerful storm system roared across the Midwest and South Friday night, unleashing a series of tornadoes that carved paths of destruction and left at least three dead in Missouri.

The fast-moving line of storms was capable of producing destructive winds over 70 miles per hour and potential tornadoes, and was expected to clear the Chicago area and Northwest

High winds remain the primary concern for the incoming storms, reaching up to 75 miles per hour. Tornadoes are still a possibility.

A line of severe thunderstorms, the first extreme weather event of the year, will hit the Chicago area around midnight Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Most of the rest of north Alabama will have a Level 2 risk, and a small area in the northeast corner of the state will have a Level 1 risk. If storms can develop they have the potential to be intense, especially west of Interstate 65. Tornadoes, damaging winds and hail will be possible.

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Round one of storms has ended, and round two of storms is setting up along the Mississippi River. This round is expected to impact West Alabama as early as noon today.