The weather cut a swathe of destruction across an area of the country that is home to more than 100 million people.

At least 13 people have died in vehicle crashes and pile-ups during severe dust storms in three states, authorities say as a cross-country storm system sweeping East delivered raging winds and an extreme fire risk.

Meanwhile, the severe weather threat will linger through Sunday from Florida northward into the upper Ohio River Valley, forecasters warned.