A severe storm system on Friday afternoon produced several tornadoes in the region.
The National Weather Service in Paducah says that in it was a violent EF-4 tornado with peak winds of 190 mph.
Southern Williamson County was hit in the 6pm hour as the tornado began near the intersection of Spillway Road and Grassy Road doing mainly tree damage. As it moved eastward, the tornado intensified as it approached Interstate 57. The tornado strengthened to EF-3 levels, where it removed the roofs of several homes of the staff of the U.S. Penitentiary just south of the main prison complex. The tornado continued at EF-3 strength as it damaged homes along Highway 37 and north of Hudgens Road. It then reached peak intensity after crossing Market Road and into a subdivision and destroying homes along the way on several different roads in that area.
The tornado path was over 16.5 miles, and its peak width was 575 yards. There were no fatalities, but seven people sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A volunteer reception center is set up for those who wish to help with the clean-up at the City of Marion Training Center, 211 East Boulevard Street in Marion.
If you were affected by the tornado there is a residential self-assessment survey that the local EMA asks that you complete. The survey is available on their website. www.williamsoncountyema-il.gov
