Severe storms moved through the South last weekend, killing 16 people and destroying homes and businesses throughout the region.

Officials in Georgia confirmed at least 12 people were dead Sunday, and the Associated Press reported four were killed in Mississippi early Saturday when a tornado tore through the southern part of the state.

Residents in Georgia were warned to take shelter while severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings are in effect. 

Major damage was reported and at least 800 people in seven counties in Georgia were without power, including Lowndes, Brooks, Thomas, Cook, Berrien, Atkinson and Clinch. Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for these counties and schools throughout the area will be closed Monday.

“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,” Deal said in a statement.

“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,” Deal said.

Shelters were set up throughout the region and an emergency operations center in Valdosta worked to coordinate ongoing responses, Lowndes County Clerk Paige Dukes said in a statement.

“Citizens are strongly encouraged to stay off the road, in an indoor location away from windows and doors” Dukes said. “Please be advised that while conditions may improve this morning, this is only temporary. A third storm is forecast to move through Lowndes County just after midday.”

In Mississippi, homes and churches were destroyed by the strong winds and tornados. 

Fannie Lard of Meridian, Mississippi, said her home was lifted up into the air early Sunday morning.

“I was in the bed, and I got up to go to the bathroom,” Lard, 60, said. “By the time I had gotten to the hallway, I heard something. And the next thing I knew, the house was rocking and I could feel the house rocking. I didn’t know which way to go. So, the next thing I knew, I was on my back, and I felt the house sliding off the foundation. I thought it was just flying away.”

Lard was able to escape after crawling through an opening in her ripped-apart home.

“It was torn off… everything was damaged,” said Lard, who lived in the house for 16 years.

Jill Doolittle, of Lauderdale, Mississippi, said the lack of severe weather notifications during the storm caught her and her family off guard.  

“We always get constant alerts when there’s thunderstorm warnings or anything — we got no alerts,” Doolittle, 48, said. “It was just like regular little lightning — it wasn’t even storming really bad. And, next thing we know, the house was shaking, so we all went into the bathroom. By the time it was over, we came out and realized we were so fortunate — we’re blessed.”

The Weather Channel issued a watch for strong, long-track tornadoes for Sunday through Monday in parts of north Florida, southern Georgia and north-eastern Alabama.

The Valdosta, Georgia Daily Times and the Meridian, Mississippi Star contributed to this story.