At least 20 tornadoes confirmed across Southeast

BEAUREGARD, Ala. (AP) – The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 20 tornadoes struck across the Southeast during a deadly weekend outbreak.

Reports from the agency’s survey teams say storm systems crossing the region Sunday spun off tornadoes in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

The most powerful twister was an EF4 tornado packing 170 mph (275 kph) winds that’s been blamed for at least 23 deaths in Lee County, Alabama. The weather service says that tornado crossed into western Georgia and traveled about 70 miles (112 kilometers) total.

The number of confirmed tornadoes could increase. Survey teams are still assessing storm damage in some areas.