Severe storms have caused damage in Selma, according to early reports on social media.

The National Weather Service is asking people to avoid the area.

Most students were in school when the storm passed over and sheltered in place. It is unclear at this time whether any school buildings were impacted.

Read more: Live updates from Thursday tornado threat across Alabama.

Read more: Photos, video from storm damage across Alabama.

Shortly after the weather system passed, Selma City Superintendet Zickeyous Byrd said students were “secure and unharmed.”

“Good afternoon! It is my prayer that all of you are safe and out of harm’s way. All of our scholars are secure and unharmed. Trees, down power lines, and other debris along the roadway have blocked local roadways, making it impossible for our bus drivers to travel their regular routes. Parents are welcome to come and check out their scholars at this time,” he wrote on Facebook at about 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12.

It is unclear at this time whether any adults or children were harmed elsewhere in the area, but some initial reports include the possiblity of some people missing or trapped.

“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. #wearetogether,” Mayor James Perkins said in a statement.