CNN reports Monday morning that a “devastating series of tornadoes ripped through Alabama on Sunday, killing at least 23 people in one county.” 

The victims including children, died in Lee County, Sheriff Jay Jones told CNN. At least 12 of those deaths occurred in an area about 5 to 6 miles south of the city of Opelika, he said.

Jones initially reported 14 deaths. Later Sunday, he updated the number and told CNN affiliate WRBL “that number may rise yet again.”

SOURCE: WSFA

LEE COUNTY, AL – Fourteen people are dead after at least two tornadoes hit Lee County Sunday afternoon, according to the Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

The number could rise, the sheriff added, and people are still reported missing. He didn’t give any details about the locations or exact circumstances of the deaths.

The Lee County coroner said he has requested assistance from the state mortuary response team.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Lee County EMA said much of the damage was near Beauregard, and there were two confirmed fatalities in that area.

According to family members on the scene, an 8-year-old girl in Beauregard is among the dead, WFSA reported.

EMA officials said they are still assessing the damage and injuries in the Beauregard area and lots of first responders are on the scene.