A storm brings large hail and a damaging tornado to the Sycamore area north of Independence.

 

A tornado was reported in the Sycamore area last night by local spotters and was observed on radar crossing highway 75 at Sycamore around 7:15 p.m.

 

Large baseball to softball-size hail was also reported, and U.S. 75 was closed between Independence and U.S. 400 due to storm damage, including a barn that was reportedly blown into the road. Several large trees were uprooted and caused damage to area homes.

 

A brief tornado was also located on the Wilson-Montgomery County line 5 miles northwest of Sycamore, in addition to a report of a tornado on the ground in Altamont.

 

Several tree limbs came down and power lines were damaged in the Oswego area, and trees came down on houses in the Hallowell area in Cherokee County in addition to power pole damage in Columbus.

 

Slow storm movement also brought heavy rain to the area and a flood warning remains in effect for southern Neosho and northern Labette County through 9 a.m.

 

Photo: David Cowan, Independence City Manager