A strong storm system moved through the Southland early Thursday amid evacuation warnings and fears of debris flows, bringing a heavy dose of rain over a short period of time and causing a rare tornado in Pico Rivera.

At least four tornadoes hit the Chicagoland area overnight amid severe storms, according to the National Weather Service. The storms have downed trees and powerlines across the area, with Paulding County being one of the hardest hit areas.

"Get to the sturdiest structure you have access to and remain in place until the storms pass," the NWS told residents in Alabama on Saturday night, when multiple tornado warnings were issued. At least 250,

A powerful storm system that has been sweeping across the central and eastern U.S. has produced violent tornadoes, a dust storm, raging wildfires and even blizzard conditions, tragically leaving at least 36 people dead in its path.