The National Weather Service (NWS) will send a damage assessment team to Morgan County soon to determine the strength of a tornado that hit there late yesterday afternoon.

The tornado entered Sunbright, leaving several homes and businesses damaged.

Highway 27 in and around Sunbright was closed yesterday as numerous trees blocked the highway. Officials announced just before 8 a.m. this morning the highway was open.

Last night, Morgan County EMA announced everyone was accounted for, and there were no fatalities.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter for people displaced at Wartburg Central High School. Officials say about 50 families were at the shelter last night.

Depending on the damage survey team, the starting and ending point of the tornado may be determined first, followed by the width of the tornado. The time of the tornado’s life cycle may be confirmed through eyewitness accounts and/or radar data. To determine the magnitude of the tornado, the survey team will attempt to find the worst damage since this is how the tornado will ultimately be rated. Once the survey is complete, the team will issue a rating of how strong the tornado was. At this time, it appears it will receive a rating of either EF-1 or EF-2.

An EF-1 tornado has winds between 86 and 110 miles an hour.

An EF-2 tornado has winds between 111 and 135 miles an hour.

Picture used in this story taken by Jennifer Hunter.