US storm toll rises to 22

Unusual warmth, tornadoes and torrential downpours have been blamed for 22 deaths across the southeastern US.

A man runs as sirens sound during a severe storm over downtown Dallas.

Tornadoes and torrential downpours have been blamed for 22 deaths across the southeastern US. (AAP)

The death toll following four days of wild weather in the southeastern United States has risen to 22.

Unusual warmth, tornadoes and torrential downpours have sparked flooding and caused damage across the region during the Christmas holiday.

Two people missing due to the conditions since Wednesday were reported dead on Saturday in Mississippi, bringing the state's death toll to 10.

Late on Saturday, one death was also reported in Alabama, while in Texas, four people were confirmed killed in vehicle accidents near the intersection of two major highways in Garland, east of Dallas.

Local police officer Joe Harn said the four were killed in accidents that occurred during a massive storm but it's unclear if all four were in the same vehicle or how they died.

A tornado was reported to have gone through the suburb east of Dallas, damaging several homes.

Harn said there were no active rescues under way, though first responders continue to search houses for anyone trapped after the storms passed.

Texas residents hunkered down for what the National Weather Service was calling a "historic blizzard".

Some parts of the Panhandle could see as many as 356 millimetres of snow, with sub-zero wind chills and accumulating ice. Residents in Lubbock and Amarillo prepared for an evening storm.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency spokesman Greg Flynn said 56 injuries were reported. In a statement, Flynn said preliminary damage estimates showed 241 homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

More than 400 homes in total were affected, he said.

Severe storms were forecast for Sunday night through Monday as a strong cold front pushed through. Tornadoes were possible and residents were being asked to remain alert.

The flooding is the result of heavy downpours that have thrashed the southeastern US since Wednesday, bringing record rainfalls.

Six people were killed in Tennessee, including three found in a car submerged in a creek, according to the Columbia Police Department.

One person died in Arkansas and dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed.


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Source: AAP


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