The death toll from storms, floods, and tornadoes in the US has reached 24, local authorities said, CBS reports.

Earlier, ABC had reported 20 deaths.

The torrential rain and storms that have continued for days have killed at least 24 people in seven states, the television said.

Ten people died in Tennessee, where powerful tornadoes and severe flooding were reported.

At least five people in Kentucky have died in the flooding.

Three more deaths have been confirmed by authorities in Missouri, two in Arkansas and Georgia, and one each in Indiana and Mississippi.

Tennessee rescuers are working with authorities to assess the damage and decide whether to declare a federal disaster.

Evacuations have been ordered in several cities.