The death toll continues to rise after the series of storms around the southern states.

Officials in northwest Georgia say at least seven people have been killed after a tornado hit a three-storey motel.

At least 10 to 12 commercial buildings collapsed as the tornado tore through the area and at least 100 to 200 people were injured.

Emergency assistance for search and rescue has been approved, and the National Guard has been deployed across the region.

Al Jazeera's Khadija Magardie reports