More than a dozen tornadoes sweep through Midwest, damaging homes and structures across three states

More than a dozen tornadoes touched down across the Midwest, leaving damage in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin as severe weather continued to affect multiple regions of the country.

The tornadoes carved paths of destruction through the three states, damaging homes, buildings and other structures in their wake. Officials assessed the extent of the damage throughout the affected areas as recovery efforts began.

The tornado outbreak occurred as the East Coast faced an extended period of sweltering temperatures, creating a contrast in weather patterns across the country. NBC News correspondent Maggie Vespa reported on the developing situation.