**Five people have died and dozens were injured after a series of tornadoes tore through the southeastern United States on Thursday, causing widespread damage and power outages.**.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that at least 10 tornadoes touched down in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, with the most significant damage reported in Georgia..
In Butts County, Georgia, a tornado with winds of up to 130 miles per hour killed two people and injured 20 others. The tornado destroyed homes and businesses, and downed power lines, leaving thousands without electricity..
Another tornado in Meriwether County, Georgia, killed three people and injured 15. The tornado also caused significant damage to homes and businesses, and blocked roads with debris..
In South Carolina, a tornado touched down in Kershaw County, causing damage to homes and businesses. There were no reports of injuries or deaths in South Carolina..
The NWS has issued a tornado watch for parts of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, as the risk of additional tornadoes remains. Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor weather updates and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued..
**Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for Butts and Meriwether counties, and has activated the Georgia National Guard to assist with recovery efforts.**.
The Red Cross has also deployed teams to the affected areas to provide shelter, food, and other assistance to those who have been displaced..
The tornadoes are the latest in a series of severe weather events that have hit the United States in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a tornado outbreak in the Midwest killed dozens of people and caused widespread damage..
Climate scientists have warned that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is likely to increase in the future due to climate change..
**Here are some safety tips for tornadoes:**.
* **Stay indoors and away from windows.**.
* **Seek shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of your home.**.
* **If you are outside, lie down in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.**.
* **Do not drive into a tornado.**.
* **If you are in a car, get out and seek shelter in a building or ditch.**.
**If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take action immediately to seek shelter.**.
