US Southeast lashed by tornado-producing storms

More than 20 fatalities have been reported as tornados tear through the American Southeast.

Reports of the death toll vary but news outlet CNN puts it at 29 lives across six states while scores of others have been injured.

A large cluster of thunderstorms hit Georgia, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, pelting the area with baseball-sized hailstones and the threat of more tornados. Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama are expected to suffer similar weather conditions.

Hundreds of homes and businesses have suffered damage, with downed powerlines and felled trees causing further hazards.