TIMELINE: Seven dead after tornado hits Kingston community in Autauga County

Dallas and Autauga counties were hit by a confirmed tornado Thursday afternoon, leaving seven people dead, multiple injured and active rescue operations to help people trapped in homes, emergency officials said.

The National Weather Service in Birmingham reported damage in Dallas County, including the Selma Country Club. The country club's roof was ripped off in the tornado. Selma Mayor James Perkins told WSFA on Thursday that one person was believed to be trapped in a building and another is possibly missing.

Former state Sen. Hank Sanders told the Associated Press he has been told there is damage "all over Selma."

"A tornado has definitely damaged Selma. In fact, it hit our house, but not head-on. It blew out windows in the bedroom and in the living room. It is raining through the roof in the kitchen," Sanders told AP.

Jason Holmes, a meteorologist at the Birmingham branch of the NWS, said Thursday morning that most of central Alabama was at risk of severe weather. Holmes said the storm is moving between 45 mph and 50 mph and is moving east.

Lowndes, Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery counties are all under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. Dallas and Chilton counties were under tornado warnings until 1:15 p.m.

In 2022, Alabama experienced 92 tornados, which caused $219,000 in damages, according to the Tuscaloosa News. There have been at least 54 incidents of storm damage throughout the nation Thursday.

How to help or get help

A relief fund has been set up by the River Region United Way to help those impacted by the storms. You can give to the fund by texting DISASTER23 to 41444 or going to rruw.org. Those affected by the storms can call RRUW at 334-264-7318 for more information.

More: Severe Alabama weather: What is a tornado emergency?

Damage in West Alabama: 'This was my dream place': Tornado damages homes in Hale County

8 a.m. Friday: Seven reported dead in Autauga County

Rescue and recovery work continued Friday morning in Autauga County, where at least seven people died in an early afternoon tornado Thursday.

The latest death was confirmed by Autauga County Sheriff Dave Hill.

As night fell on Thursday, more than a dozen were missing in the Old Kingston community in the central part of the county. Friday morning, officials said those individuals were accounted for.

6 p.m.: Death toll climbs to six in Old Kingston community

As of 6 p.m. Thursday there were six confirmed fatalities, Autauga County Sheriff Dave Hill said.

That number is expected to climb, he said, as search and rescue efforts continue. More than a dozen people were missing Thursday. The deaths and those missing were in the Old Kingston community in the central part of the county.

The storm tracked from Old Kingston northeast through the Marbury community and into Elmore County. It appeared to be a storm from the same supercell thunderstorm that dropped a tornado that caused widespread damage in Selma about half an hour earlier than when the Autauga storm struck.

Dozens of homes were destroyed and dozens more damaged in the path of the storm, said Ernie Baggett, director of the Autauga County Emergency Management Agency. Several eye witnesses reported seeing a funnel cloud as the storm roared through.

The bulk of the damage appears to be in the Old Kingston and County Road 68 area of Marbury.

Kelsie Salers was counting her blessings late Thursday afternoon as she surveyed the damage of her brick home on County Road 68. The home escaped major damage, but dozens of trees were twisted and downed in the yard.

“We lost some shingles and our shed,” she said. “But I’m so thankful the house is still here.”

She was at her job in Birmingham when she found out the storm had hit. Her mother, Donna Perry, was in the house at the time and rode the storm out in a bathroom. Perry was not injured.

Salers moved into the home nine months ago. “It seemed like it took forever to get here,” she said. “My mother described the damage to me when she called, so I was prepared. But still… I’ve seen other homes destroyed up and down this road so we were very lucky.”

5:41 p.m.: Rep. Sewell says federal government coordinating response

Selma native and US Rep. Terri Sewell said Thursday a federal response was in the works hours after deadly storms swept through central Alabama.

“I am devastated and heartbroken by the tornado damage in my hometown of Selma and throughout the Black Belt,” Sewell said in a statement. “My office has already begun coordinating a federal response.

“I have spoken with the White House, FEMA, and the Small Business Administration as well as state and local officials including Alabama EMA about securing disaster assistance and expediting all available resources.”

Sewell said she planned to arrive in Selma by Thursday night to survey the damage and assist in recovery efforts.

“I am keeping my constituents and all those affected in my prayers,” she said. “The people of the Black Belt are strong, and we will get through this together!”

5:34 p.m.: County leaders pledge help for affected areas

Montgomery County leaders pledged help Thursday for area counties affected by the storms, and Sheriff Derrick Cunningham said his department has agreed to accept several detainees from Dallas County.

“We have been in constant contact with our law enforcement partners in areas impacted by today’s storms,” Cunningham said in a statement. “The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is ready to provide equipment and resources to assist our neighbors during this difficult time.”

Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton said county workers are ready to help in other ways, as well.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families impacted by today’s devastating storms,” Singleton said in a statement. “Montgomery County crews stand ready to assist our neighboring counties as they clean-up and rebuild.”

5:16 p.m.: More than 30,000 without power in Alabama

Alabama Power said about 3 p.m. it was still assessing the extent of the damage caused by Thursday’s tornadoes. At the time, about 32,300 Alabama Power customers across the area were without service because of the storms.

That included 11,100 people in Dallas County, 10,000 people in Tallapoosa County, 4,200 people in Elmore County, 1,900 people in Montgomery County, 1,700 people in Lee County, 1,600 people in Autauga County and 360 people in Lowndes County.

The company warned people to stay away from downed lines and steer clear of fallen trees or limbs were lines could be hidden.

Anyone who spots a downed line can call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726.

5:07 p.m.: Four fatalities, many unaccounted for in Autauga County

Autauga County Sheriff David Hill confirmed that four people died as a result of the tornado that hit the county earlier Thursday afternoon. Hill said all four were in the Old Kingston area in central Autauga County.

Three of the victims' names, ages or genders have not been reported. One of the victims — confirmed by Hill earlier Thursday — was an adult man.

Emergency officials also said there are as many as 12 people unaccounted for in the Old Kingston and Browntown area near where a mobile home community was struck. A search is underway.

4:59 p.m.: United Way establishes relief fund

The River Region United Way has set up a fund to help local storm victims.

The fund has been set up specifically to fill in gaps of need within the community, including those affected by other recent tornadoes.

You can give to the fund by texting DISASTER23 to 41444 or going to rruw.org.

Those affected by the storms can call RRUW at 334-264-7318 for more information about local assistance.

4:42 p.m.: Ivey issues state of emergency

Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for six counties after severe weather struck central Alabama on Thursday.

"We have already seen parts of the state rattled by this severe weather system, which is why I have issued a state of emergency for six of our counties that were in the path of Mother Nature’s wrath: Autauga, Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore and Tallapoosa," Ivey wrote on social media.

Ivey said she is monitoring the situation with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to determine if an expanded state of emergency is needed.

"I — along with my partners at the Alabama EMA — will continue monitoring to determine if an expanded state of emergency is needed. I am ready to be a helping hand to our local officials. Please continue using caution, and stay safe out there!" Ivey wrote.

4:06 p.m.: Selma mayor urges residents to 'stay calm' and 'stay in place'

“Selma has received significant damage from the tornado. Citizens please refrain from traveling the roadways and stay away from down power lines. City crews will be out as soon as practical to clean up. In the meantime, stay safe and continue to report your damages through 911,” the Selma mayor’s office said in a statement.

The mayor's office also issued a statement saying emergency response teams are on the ground providing assistance and cleaning right of ways. The office is asking everyone "to stay calm and stay in place until further notice."

As of 3 p.m., most streets in Selma are closed due to fallen power lines and trees, according to the office of Mayor James Perkins. Selma City Schools have reported that all children in the schools are safe. Road blockages prevent bus drivers from traveling their regular routes after school, but Superintendent Zickeyous Byrd said parents are “welcome to come and check out their scholars at this time.”

“It is my prayer that all of you are safe and out of harm’s way,” he said in a statement.

4:03 p.m.: Autauga County Schools virtual on Friday

Autauga County Schools will be doing virtual instruction on Friday after Thursday's tornado hit parts of the county. Marbury High School is the drop off point for students who could not make it home by bus in the affected areas.

3:58 p.m.: Selma resident says downtown is 'a disaster'

Selma resident Shermika Watts Brown was inside of a building on Broad Street, running into a closet, when the tornado hit. When the winds calmed and it seemed safe to go outside, she found parts of buildings torn down, electrical poles in the streets and a row of cars with shattered windows and major damage.

Her car was among the debris, but she said she’s not worried about that now.

“Everything’s gone downtown. Y’all, it’s a disaster,” Brown said. “But we’re here, and we’re safe. Thank God.”

Brown said this tornado is the worst thing she’s ever experienced.

In that area, damaged buildings include Pratt City Barbershop, the Family Dollar Store and the Firestone Complete Auto Care.

3:56 p.m.: Montgomery Fire Department plans to deploy to parts of Elmore County

Montgomery Assistant Fire Chief Stanley Cooper said the department is all hands on deck to respond to the storm. In addition to assisting residents of Montgomery, the department has received requests for help in Lightwood, a community in Elmore County that the storm hit early on, and has plans to aid residents there.

“We assembled when the storm was first occurring, and we have an incident action plan for Montgomery first,” Cooper said. “What we’re doing now is we’ve still got two rescue units, which are independently staffed. We brought in additional manpower.”

The department also has extra supervisors and district commanders in place if needed.

“We’re also ready to deploy to some of the areas like Lightwood. I don’t know about Selma yet, but we’re also ready to deploy once the storm is over,” Cooper said.

3:45 p.m.: EMA reports 'very minimal damage' in Montgomery

NWS in Birmingham confirmed 60 mph straight line winds and hail in the storm that passed over Montgomery just before 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. Montgomery EMA reported an hour later at 3:30 p.m. that storm damage in the immediate area has been “very minimal.”

“We just have some wind damage on the west side of Montgomery on Birmingham Highway and West Boulevard with some power outages. That’s all the damages that have been reported to us,” Montgomery EMA director Christina Thornton said.

3:40 p.m.: Residents recount moments tornado hit Selma: 'It happened in about five seconds'

Residents throughout Selma reported widespread damage after Thursday's storm. Joseph Lharris had recently dropped a friend off out of town and was driving back toward Selma when he noticed the weather changed.

"The trees start swaying and the wind was knocking everywhere," Lharris said.

He pulled over. He knew he wasn't supposed to be in his car, but he couldn't get out. He drove in the opposite direction of the storm. But everywhere he went, there was damage. Sandy Greene saw the tornado come right in front of the Selma Country Club. She said "you couldn't hardly see."

"Everywhere I went, whatever direction I went in, there was devastation," Lharris said.

“It happened in about five seconds,” said Caleb Morris, who lives in the neighborhood behind the country club in Selma.

He rode out the storm in his basement and was relieved to find no damage to his house. So, he joined a group that was using chainsaws to get tree limbs out of the way so ambulances and fire trucks could get through.

Morris said it was about the fifth time the neighborhood had come together to recover from storms. He was thankful that this time it happened in the daylight instead of while everyone was asleep.

“It’s a mess,” he said. “It is a mess.”

His next step was to check on elderly people in the neighborhood. Morris said he lost his grandmother to a tornado in 1998.

3:40 p.m.: Man trapped in car in Selma

Jeff Reeves was heading home for lunch when the tornado struck Selma. He crossed a bridge and saw wind coming from the other direction. Once he crossed the bridge, he saw a tree had fallen, blocking the road.

"I put on brakes, but I was too late," Reeves said.

Reeves' car became stuck underneath the tree. As of 3 p.m., he was still stuck inside his car, as volunteers worked to remove him. First responders told him that they had to leave him to take care of others. Reeves said he sprained his wrist in the crash.

2:35 p.m.: One dead in Autauga County

Autauga County Sheriff David Hill confirmed that an adult male died as a result of the tornado that hit the county early Thursday afternoon. The man, whose identity is not being released pending notification of next of kin, was in the Old Kingston area in central Autauga County.

Hill said responders are preparing to take several injured to the local hospitals. There are reports of people trapped in homes along Autauga County Road 68 and rescue efforts are ongoing, Hill said.

Triage has been set up near the intersection of Autauga County Road 68 and U.S. Highway 31 in the Marbury Community.

2:20 p.m.: Selma mayor says at least one person believed to be trapped in building

Selma Mayor James Perkins told WSFA Thursday afternoon that least one person is believed trapped in a building on Broad Street and possibly one other person is missing. There are multiple downed powerlines, and it is considered an emergency situation.

2:08 p.m.: Montgomery first responders 'ready to help' Selma

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed posted to social media that Montgomery first responders "have engaged with our neighbors in Selma. We’re ready to help with anything they need."

1:40 p.m.: More reports of property damage in west Selma

The Selma Country Club in west Selma was severely damaged by the tornado that touched down shortly after 12 p.m. Thursday. Photos posted to social media show that tornado ripped the roof of the country club off. The roof is shown on the ground next to the building in the photo.

There has also been damage reported along Dallas Avenue near Block Park, located across from the Selma County Club. There is also damage in the Houston Park neighborhood of Selma and rural areas of Dallas County along Highway 14 around Burnsville.

1:37 p.m.: Six injuries, extensive property damage reported in Autauga County

Multiple reports of extensive property damage are coming into the Autauga EMA following a confirmed tornado that struck the central part of the county. The main areas of damage include the communities of Old Kingston northeast to Marbury. There are reports of homes and mobile homes destroyed and damaged in the area.

There have been six reported injuries in the county and first responders and emergency officials are searching the areas.

Crews are converging in the Marbury area along County Road 68, where there are multiple reports of home and structure damage.

1:21 p.m.: Autauga County reports all students safe

All schools and students in Autauga County are safe after a tornado moved through the central part of the county Thursday afternoon, per the Autauga County Emergency Management Agency after getting a call from the school system.

1:02 p.m.: Tornado hits Autauga County, multiple injured

Multiple injury reports are coming in in Autauga County from a confirmed tornado on the ground at 1:02 p.m. in the central part of the county. The Autauga County EMA has received reports of injuries in the Old Kingston, Joffre and Marbury areas. This is the same tornado that touched down in Selma about noon and caused extensive damage there.

This storm is a supercell that was out ahead of a line of severe storms.

12:52 p.m.: Damage reported in Selma from tornado

Footage of a confirmed tornado that touched down in Selma was posted to Twitter by Weather Nation at 12:52 p.m. The account said the storm touched down "moments ago, producing damage."

NWS said that there is heavy damage reported at the Selma Country Club.

12:53 p.m.: Tornado emergency for Autauga County

The NWS issued a tornado emergency for Autauga County at 12:53 p.m. NWS said the situation is life threatening and said residents should take shelter immediately.

Minutes before, NWS warned Autauga, Elmore and Coosa Counties of a large and extremely dangerous tornado in the area.

12:42 p.m.: City cancels armory classes

The city of Montgomery has cancelled all afternoon and evening classes that were scheduled for January 12 at the Armory Learning Arts Center.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed's office issued a statement confirming the cancellations at about 12:38 p.m. Thursday as a strong wave of storms pushed toward the area.

Thursday, 12:34 p.m.: Tornado warning in effect for Dallas, Autauga counties

"A large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly tornado is on the ground" is north Autauga and east central Dallas counties, according to the NWS. A tornado warning is in effect for the areas until 1:15 p.m.

NWS said a confirmed tornado was located over the Dallas County town of Burnsville, near the Autauga County town of Valley Grande, at 12:30 p.m. The storm was moving northeast at 50 mph.

12:18 p.m.: 'Large and extremely dangerous' tornado in Selma

NWS said a "large and extremely dangerous tornado" is moving through Selma and urged residents to take shelter.

NWS reported that a tornado touched down twice in Selma, at 12:18 and 12:19 p.m.

School closings

Some area schools are closing early or canceling activities in light of possible severe weather. River Region Academy in Montgomery will close at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, an employee for the K-12 private school confirmed.

Montgomery Public Schools is canceling all after-school activities Thursday, according to a text sent to parents shortly after 12 p.m.

Chilton County Schools dismissed at 11 a.m. Thursday.

"This is an unusually fast moving storm. Please monitor the weather carefully," the school district wrote in a Facebook post Thursday morning.

Autauga County Schools canceled all after-school activities Thursday. The district will be virtual tomorrow.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or 479-926-9570. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama tornado updates: Damage reported in Selma, Autauga County