A "dynamic" weather system sparked a "historic" tornado outbreak across the U.S. and has already left 16 people dead.

Violent tornadoes and high winds decimated homes, wiped out schools and toppled semitractor-trailers as a monster storm that killed at least 32 people ripped its way across the central and southern U.

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.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible across the region Saturday. A few of the storms may be severe with damaging winds, large hail or a tornado. The highest threat is across Western Kentucky and Southwestern Indiana late Saturday morning into the afternoon.