Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. The highest threat is expected across eastern Louisiana and Mississippi around Saturday afternoon, before later spreading into Alabama and western parts of the Florida Panhandle and Georgia,

A powerful storm system is set to bring multiple rounds of dangerous severe thunderstorms, with numerous strong tornadoes possible, from the Midwest to the Southeast beginning Friday. Why it matters: "Today may end up as one of the more prolific severe weather outbreaks in recent memory" in the region,

Very High wind shear values combined with peak daytime heating will foster an environment that will be favorable for strong, long-tracked tornadoes ALL DAY Saturday.

A significant severe weather day is anticipated for Saturday across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi. We remain highlighted in a level 4 out of 5 moderate risk for severe weather. This threat will begin by late morning Saturday and continue through sunset in the evening.

Large and destructive tornadoes are carving paths of destruction across the South for the second day in a row.

An "outbreak" of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is expected through Saturday night in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and other southern states.

By Rich McKay ATLANTA (Reuters) -At least 13 people were killed in Arkansas and Missouri as a series of tornadoes hit the U.S. Midwest and Southeast overnight, raking a path of destruction that was still being assessed on Saturday,