Major tornadoes thrashed multiple states in southeast United States on Saturday and Sunday, killing at least 18 people and causing material damage.

The states of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia are among those hit by extreme weather. 14 were killed in Georgia while four were killed in Mississippi.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal on Sunday announced a state of emergency for seven counties in south Georgia.

Catherine Howden, a spokesperson for the state's Emergency Management Agency, said rescue dogs were dispatched to the region in search of survivors.

U.S. National Weather Service issued a warning Sunday saying "a severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreak is expected today across north Florida and south Georgia."

source: Xinhua