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

A multi-day tornado threat is unfolding across several U.S. states, with severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Meteorologist Rhythm Reet from The Weather Network breaks down the details.

A significant severe weather day is anticipated for Saturday across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi.

The National Weather Service says an outbreak of severe storms could spawn tornadoes, heavy snow and high winds.

More than 100 million people in the U.S. will be in the path of an intense March storm starting Friday as the sprawling multi-day system threatens fires, blizzards, tornadoes, and flooding as it tracks eastward across the Great Plains.