Devastating storms swept across seven states in the Midwest and the South, sparking tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms. At least 40 people have died. The damage has been unimaginable. Here are 22 photos of the aftermath:

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 moveing east.

Throughout the South and Midwest, residents and work crews were beginning to clean up Monday and survey the destruction after severe weather across seven states kicked up a devastating combination of wildfires,