US storms and tornado death toll rises

The latest state to be hit was North Carolina, where 62 tornadoes left a trail of destruction in the worst storm to hit the state in two decades.

The governor declared a state of emergency after deaths were reported in four counties.

Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Virginia have also been hit.

Officials say the number of victims will increase further as rescue teams search damaged areas.

Some US reports have already put the number of dead at 44.

Hailstones the size of grapefruit were reported as the storms swept through the region, creating flash floods as well as tornadoes.

The storms first struck Oklahoma on Thursday before sweeping eastward through other states.

Roofs ripped off

North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue said the number of tornadoes was the highest since 1984.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody in North Carolina who has been through this horrible day," Gov Perdue said.

She did not confirm the number of people killed, but an official in Bertie County said 10 people had died in that county alone, bringing deaths so far in the state to 14, according to AP news agency.

County manager Zee Lamb told the news agency the tornado had moved through Bertie County about 1900 local time (1100 GMT) on Saturday, causing extensive damage; Kazinform cites BBC News.

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