The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of metro New Orleans — specifically the River Parishes and the northshore — through 6 p.m. Saturday. The weather service said numerous strong tornadoes, large hail and wind gusts of up to 75 mph are expected as a storm system moves through the area this afternoon.

Western Georgia is expected to see the highest tornado threat and many areas are in a 4 out 5 risk. All of metro Atlanta and north Georgia are under a tornado watch until 4 a.m. >

Millions of Americans across the country are on alert for a severe weather outbreak as violent, long-track tornadoes with damaging winds of up to 80 mph and large hail are expected across the Midwest and South with the cross-country storm moving east.

A dangerous tornado outbreak featuring the potential for "multiple violent" tornadoes threatens much of the Deep South Saturday, as the second day of deadly severe weather continues across the eastern U.

At 5:02 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued an updated tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m. for Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Monroe, Washington and Wilcox counties.

Significant weather will work its way through metro Atlanta and north Georgia Saturday night into Sunday morning. Western Georgia is expected to see the highest tornado threat and many areas are in a 4 out 5 risk.