At least 11 dead after severe weather sweeps through US state of Georgia

At least 11 people are dead and dozens are injured after severe storms struck the US state of Georgia on Sunday (22 January).

The reports come as at least four people were killed in Hattiesburg, southern Mississippi a day earlier.

Tornadoes reportedly ripped through both southern states – ripping off roofs and tossing trees into the middle of busy roads.

The Emergency Management Agency said Cook, Brooks and Berrien counties were affected in Georgia, but did not confirm whether tornadoes were responsible.

The National Weather Service, however, had issued tornado warnings in Georgia at 4am local time (9am GMT).

Daniel Manzo, ABC News' meteorologist, said there have been 16 tornadoes this weekend, with 11 of them reported in Georgia.

Wind speeds upwards of 130mph were reported, with some gusts reaching speeds of 165mph.

It is forecast the severe weather will continue throughout the weekend into Monday and that other US states will be affected.

There is a possibility of a "major severe weather outbreak", a National Weather Service spokesman told USA Today. "A severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreak is expected today across north Florida and south Georgia. A few long-track, strong tornadoes will be possible."