Prattville, Ala. - The mayor of a town near Montgomery, Ala., says a tornado has destroyed numerous homes and may have trapped victims in the wreckage.

Prattville Mayor Jim Byard says a search has begun for victims after severe storms swept across the South.

Homes were reported destroyed by Sunday's storms elsewhere in Alabama and in the Florida Panhandle.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

Molino, Fla. - Severe storms blew across the South on Sunday, producing at least one tornado and destroying homes in the Florida Panhandle and Alabama. No injuries were immediately reported.

A tornado destroyed four homes in Escambia County, Fla., with several others damaged, county and National Weather Service officials said. Across the border in Escambia County, Ala., two houses were destroyed by a possible tornado in rural Dixie, the Weather Service said.

The storm damaged some structures in Covington County, Ala., and toppled trees, said Jeremie Shaffer, assistant director of the county emergency management agency.

The Weather Service warned of tornado threats and winds of 70 mph as the storm system moved into Georgia.