Middle Georgia residents Monday continued to pick up the pieces following Sunday's devastating storms and tornados.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine Monday said he estimates that violent weather across Georgia over the weekend caused more than $50 million in insured losses, with more than 6,000 homes damaged.

“Our preliminary estimate today is more than $50 million in damage across Georgia. That figure may rise as new claims are reported,” Oxendine said. “I’ve been Commissioner for 14 years, and I don’t recall ever seeing damage spread across the whole state like this.”

The Commissioner sent consumer service personnel to storm-damaged communities today to get a first-hand look and to offer help to affected citizens.

“I’ve directed my staff to make every effort to work with consumers and help them through this difficult time,” Oxendine said.

While in Macon for the groundbreaking ceremonies for Kumho Tire Company, Governor Sonny Perdue was given tours of the tornado-damaged areas of Bibb County. Perdue said he would ask for the maximum amount of assistance available from the federal government and that the state would match it.