The National Weather Service issued tornado watches for more than 2 million people on Saturday. An "outbreak" of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is expected through Saturday night in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, western Georgia, southern Tennessee, the Florida Panhandle and southern Arkansas.

About 47 million people faced an enhanced to moderate severe storm threat from Madison, Wisconsin, to Birmingham, Alabama.

While there’s no need to hoard, consider stocking up on essentials in case of a power outage that could last a few days Pack a bag: Prepare a bag in case you need to leave home in a hurry. Some items you can include are: a flashlight with batteries;