Sand and dust storms affect about 330 million people in over 150 countries and are taking an increasing toll on health, economies and the environment.

A tornado siren blared in Iowa this afternoon as a funnel cloud could be seen in the backdrop of the famed speedway outside Des Moines. NBC News’ Maggie Vespa reports on the severe weather threats facing millions in the Midwest tonight.

A hazardous weather alert is in effect for Northeast Ohio, including the Cleveland and Akron areas, as strong to severe thunderstorms and heat move through the region. The National Weather Service warns of damaging winds,

Millions of Americans across several states are facing the risk of severe storms on Thursday, according to forecasters. Meteorologists say the potential hazards posed by the storms include heavy rain,

Severe thunderstorms will head east by Saturday, impacting eastern Michigan and parts of northern Indiana. Rain from 1 to 2 inches is possible as the system tracks east, but some areas could see isolated amounts of 3 to 5 inches through the weekend.

A line of heavy thunderstorms swept across the D.C. region Wednesday evening, unleashing torrential rains that flooded streets and violent wind gusts that toppled trees. The storms produced spectacular skies — including menacing clouds on approach and vivid rainbows upon exiting.

Thousands of people were in the path of a dangerous storm that moved through North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon.

The weather service forecasts a high-humidity environment with scattered thunderstorms developing Sunday afternoon and evening. Slow-moving storm cells could produce localized rainfall amounts of 2-3 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 4 inches of rain.