At least 19 people are reported to have died with one million homes left without power and hundreds of properties destroyed after tornadoes battered southern states of America.
Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi have been worst hit after the storm ripped through towns and cities.
Mississippi governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency after confirming a number of tornadoes had struck.
Six are known to have died in the state, with ten other deaths reported elsewhere, with the intense storm system now headed towards the Mid-Atlantic.
In northern Louisiana alone around 300 homes and other buildings were damaged.
The National Weather Service earlier issued its highest level of alert says "strong to intense" tornado with winds of 115-165 mph were expected.
Debris have been throw 20,000 feet into the air as conditions quickly turned deadly.
Bill Karins from the NBC News Climate & Weather Unit says there is more to come as the winds continue to rage.
He advised on Twitter : "Already over 1 million without power from this deadly storm and the high winds haven't even reached the densely populated areas along the East Coast. Charge your devices while you can and check batteries in flashlights."
Videos of the devastation have been circulating on social media.
But Mississippi's governor said in a statement: "This is not how anyone wants to celebrate Easter.
"The state and our first responders are working around the clock and will not rest until this is over. We are mobilising all resources available to protect our people and their property."
Last week, the American Meteorological Society issued guidelines for if a tornado was to hit during the coronavirus pandemic.
It told residents "not to let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge."
