Severe storms, tornadoes hit southern US, killing 9 people

WASHINGTON

At least nine people died as a result of severe storms and tornadoes that ravaged several southern states of the US, according to reports.

Local authorities said at least 37 preliminary tornado reports were recorded in deadly storms, which damaged homes and left thousands without power, according to CNN.

A 5-year-old died in Georgia's Butts County after a tree hit the car he was traveling in, and at least seven people were killed in central Alabama’s Autauga County, multiple outlets reported.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on Twitter that she issued a state of emergency for six counties, namely Autauga, Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore and Tallapoosa.

“I — along with my partners at the Alabama EMA — will continue monitoring to determine if an expanded state of emergency is needed. I am ready to be a helping hand to our local officials. Please continue using caution, and stay safe out there!” she tweeted on Thursday.

At least 18,700 people were without power in Georgia while the number in Alabama is 14,255 as of Friday at 3.41 local time (0841 GMT), according to PowerOutage.us, a website tracking power outages across the US.