Tornadoes ripped through rural Tennessee and four other southern states in a series of weekend storms that left 12 people dead and dozens injured.

Tornadoes were spotted in about 10 counties in Tennessee, the second wave of deadly storms to hit the area in less than a week, weather officials told the Associated Press.

The worst damage appeared to be in the suburbs northeast of Nashville where nine people died, according to Randy Harris, spokesman for the state Emergency Management Agency.

Mike Whitefield and his wife, Anita, survey the damage in Gallatin, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

There were also three deaths in Warren County, about 105 kilometres southeast.

Hospitals admitted at least 60 people with storm-related injuries.

Lucky not more deaths: rescue chief

Harris said a preliminary count showed 700 to 900 homes in Sumner County and 500 to 700 in Warren County were damaged or destroyed.

"I'm amazed we didn't have more fatalities," said Sonny Briggance, rescue chief for Sumner County's emergency management agency. "Although the number is high, we are still very lucky."

One of the tornadoes that hit the area tore a path 150 to 200 metres wide and at least 16 kilometres long, estimated Jimmy Templeton of the county Sheriff's Department.

Emergency officials ordered a dusk-to-dawn curfew for the worst-hit areas and National Guard soldiers were brought in to prevent looting.

"If there's tore-up stuff, don't go there," Gallatin police Chief John Tisdale said.

The tornadoes also caused severe damage in Alabama, Georgia, West Virginia and South Carolina from late Friday through Saturday.

The U.S. National Weather Service said four tornadoes swept through Georgia, destroying businesses, homes and at least one church in the Atlanta area.

No deaths or serious injuries were reported.

In Alabama, several people were injured, two by falling trees, but no deaths were reported.

Storms also pounded southern West Virginia, blacking out more than 16,000 customers. One person was injured in South Carolina, as three tornadoes touched down around Charleston, and in southern Kentucky, four people sustained minor injuries.