Georgia Storms Kill 14, Trump Pledges Federal Aid (UPDATE)

President Donald Trump offered his condolences and pledged federal support for Georgia and other southern states impacted by severe weather this weekend. The state has confirmed that 14 people were killed and nearly two dozen were injured in storms in Georgia, with more severe weather heading through the area Sunday afternoon.

Speaking during a White House ceremony, Trump said he had spoken with Gov. Nathan Deal. "I expressed our sincere condolences for the lives taken," Trump said. "The tornadoes were vicious and powerful and strong. And they suffered greatly, so we'll be helping out the state of Georgia."

Catherine Howden, a spokeswoman for Georgia’s office of emergency management, told the New York Times and the Associated Press that there had been 11 storm-related deaths and 23 injuries. Howden said there had been up to 20 reports of tornadoes, and the severe weather was not expected to stop until Sunday night.

In an updated media advisory, the office confirmed that 14 people had been killed as a result of the storms. The most fatalities was reported in Cook County, followed by Dougherty County where three people lost their lives, and two fatalities were reported in both Berrien and Brooks counties.

Shelters have been opened for those in need, and resources are currently focused on recovery and lifesaving efforts.

Deal has declared a state of emergency in seven south central Georgia counties. The state of emergency for Atkinson, Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Lowndes and Thomas counties will remain in effect for the next seven days. Deal plans on visiting the affected counties in the coming days.

“These storms have devastated communities and homes in South Central Georgia, and the state is making all resources available to the impacted areas,” Deal said in a statement. "These storms have resulted in loss of life, numerous injuries and extensive property damage, and our thoughts and prayers are with Georgians suffering from the storm’s impact. As we continue to assess the damage, I’m prepared to expand or extend this emergency declaration as needed. In addition to the state’s response, all indications suggest we will also be submitting a request for federal assistance as well.

“The National Weather Service predicts a third wave of severe weather today, which may reach as far north as metro Atlanta. I urge all Georgians to exercise caution and vigilance in order to remain safe and prevent further loss of life or injuries.”

On Saturday, a tornado ripped through southeastern Mississippi, killing four people, injuring multiple others and severely damaging homes and structures.

The southeastern part of the country remains at a high risk for severe weather.

"A severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreak is expected today across north Florida and south Georgia, with the significant severe threat also expected to extend southward into central Florida and northeastward into South Carolina this evening," the NWS said. "A few long-track, strong tornadoes will be possible."

Overnight, the NWS is warning of severe thunderstorms in the central and southern Florida peninsula with possible hazards of tornadoes and damaging winds. The NWS warns that tornadoes overnight can be especially dangerous because they are fast-moving and hard to see.

The Georgia Office of Emergency Management could not immediately be reached for comment.

Image: Tornado Damage in Mississippi via David Lord @dcl920 via Twitter, used with permission