Storms: Georgia governor declares state of emergency

Atlanta - The governor of Georgia has declared a state of emergency in seven counties that have suffered deaths, injuries and severe damage from weekend storms.

Governor Nathan Deal's office said on Sunday the emergency declaration includes Brooks, Cook and Berrien counties - where 11 people have been confirmed dead in south central Georgia near the Florida state line.

Also included were Atkinson, Colquitt, Lowndes and Thomas counties.

Deal said in a statement that state agencies are "making all resources available" to affected counties and "our thoughts and prayers are with Georgians suffering from the storm's impact".

Meanwhile tornado activity remained a threat. 

The National Weather Service said on Sunday that southern Georgia, northern Florida and the corner of southeastern Alabama could face "intense and long track" tornadoes, scattered damaging winds and large hail.