The National Weather Service has conducted a storm survey, and the initial report confirms a tornado hit Tracy this morning. An EF-1 rated storm touched down approximately 1.5 miles west of the community and tracked that far (see above). The top winds were at 110 miles per hour for the storm that was on the ground from 6:21 to 6:23 a.m. No injuries were reported, however, widespread damage to buildings and trees occured. Tracy was under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at the time of impact, but no tornado warning was issued, as the tornado happened when was mostly dark outside and hard to detect, and may have been rain-wrapped. The tornado in Tracy is the first confirmed in Marion County since a large EF-3 tornado hit Vermeer Corporation in July of last year. Earlier today, Warren County Emergency Management confirmed a tornado impacted the Lacona area in southeast Warren County, which may have crossed the Marion-Warren county line near Melcher-Dallas. KNIA/KRLS was on the air with live Severe Weather Action Team coverage from 5:15 to 7 a.m.

Straight line winds may have been the cause of damage near the Melcher-Dallas area, according to Marion County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Anderson.

For Marion County residents whose homes sustained damage from the severe weather events Tuesday, the Marion County Emergency Management Agency is compiling a list of damaged locations as well as the type, including roof, tree, structural, water, broken windows, and more. Submit information via email to the Marion County Emergency Management Agency at emergencymanagement@co.marion.ia.us or by using their Facebook page

Residents are asked to include the following information:
1) address of damage
2) owner/occupant name
3) phone numbers and email for the owner/occupant
4) type of damage
5) rent or owned
6) Is the loss insured?
7) pictures of the damage

Marion County Emergency Management formally submitted a request to Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management to activate the Iowa Individual Assistance Program. They anticipate that Governor Reynolds will activate the program today. They do not have any expectation that there will be a preliminary damage assessment by FEMA or federal assistance as a result of this weather event.

Photos of damage:

The National Weather Service has completed a preliminary survey of a tornado that impacted Lacona Tuesday morning. The tornado was rated EF-2, with peak winds of 135 miles per hour, estimated to be up to 250 yards wide, and was on the ground for 5.4 miles from 5:55 to 6 a.m. Widespread damage to buildings, utilities, and trees was reported in the region. Warren County Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Bass also said that if any residents are still affected, whether it be a power outage, debris, or other situation, to contact the Lacona Fire Department or Warren County Emergency Management, or if it is an emergency to dial 911.