Two rounds of severe weather caused damage across Marion County over the weekend.

The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team was on the air during a confirmed tornado Sunday night that impacted residents of rural Pella. At approximately 6:37 pm, a warning was issued by the National Weather Service after several spotters confirmed a tornado west of the community — which was heard live during on-air coverage. Outdoor sirens were triggered shortly after by the Pella Police Department for a total of three times, with an all clear announced on 92.1 KRLS once the warning was cancelled. Several buildings and trees were damaged from 195th avenue to Highway 163 just outside of the city limits. The National Weather Service is conducting a survey in conjunction with Marion County Emergency Management. Larry Terpstra lives at 2023 Highway 163, and his property suffered significant damage.

INTERVIEW WITH LARRY TERPSTRA, RESIDENT IMPACTED BY STORM:

Large hail, as big as tennis balls in some cases, impacted the area late Friday into early Saturday morning. The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team was on the air for nine different warnings impacting Marion and Warren Counties. A large swath of damaging hail was reported from the Knoxville area toward Lake Red Rock and south of Pella, with some confirmed hailstones as large as 2 ½” in diameter.

Six staff members contributed to live coverage Friday and five did so on Sunday evening, with updates from Weatheology meteorologists and damage reports called in by several listeners during both storm events. The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team is live with coverage during every severe thunderstorm and tornado warning for any portion of Marion and Warren Counties.

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