UPDATED 3:22 p.m.: An eighth death has been reported Sunday in Cook County bringing the death toll from dangerous storms to 12, according to Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

UPDATED 12:08 p.m: Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency Sunday for seven South Georgia counties in the wake of deadly tornadoes and storms.

A state of emergency has been declared for Lowndes, Cook, Thomas, Berrien, Brooks, Thomas, Atkinson and Colquitt counties, according to a website post from the governor’s office.

UPDATED 10:25 a.m.:  Seven confirmed dead in Cook County, said Cook County Coroner Tim Purvis.

The confirmation brings the death toll to 11 for South Georgia with two deaths reported in Brooks County and two reported in Berrien County.

Number of people currently without power by county, from GA Power’s website (rep said this is the most up to date info):

 

Lowndes 317

Brooks 110

Thomas 72

Cook 53

Berrien less than 5

Atkinson 205

Clinch 46

 

UPDATED: 8:50 a.m. Lake Park Fire Department has been opened as a shelter. 

UPDATED 8:49 a.m.: Brooks County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed two deaths in Brooks County. 

UPDATED 8:34 a.m.: Adel Police Department says the following locations are now open as shelters: 

Springhead Church

1102 Spring Hill Church Road

UPDATED 8:15 a.m.: Berrien County Sheriff Ray Paulk confirmed the two deaths there; one occurring on Old Lois Road and one on South Coffee Road. Major damage has occurred along Highway 37 in Berrien County.

UPDATE 8:00 a.m.: 

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office said it has received information indicating there have been five deaths in Cook County and some residents are being evacuated by school bus. The sheriff’s office said portions of ValDel Road are blocked. The area should be avoided. The same source said a trailer park located south of Adel, near Cecil, has been hit by severe weather. More information to follow as it is confirmed.

UPDATE 7:50 a.m : Lowndes County authorities have confirmed damage and said emergency personnel are responding to the scenes where damage has occurred. Officials urged residents to stay indoors and seek shelter. Another round of severe weather is expected to move through South Georgia later Sunday morning.

VALDOSTA — Reports of damage are coming in from throughout South Georgia as severe weather continues to pound the region. Residents are warned to take shelter while severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings are in effect. The Valdosta Daily Times will publish weather alerts throughout the severe weather event and provide updates of damage and possible injuries or loss of life once information is verified.