Last night's severe weather brought more than just rain and thunder to central Indiana, as two confirmed tornadoes tore through the area, leaving in their wake significant damage, particularly in Delaware and Jay counties. WRTV reported that the storms affected multiple counties, including Madison, Hancock, and Marion, but no immediate details on the full scope of the damage were provided.
Delaware County Emergency Management detailed that a local business, TK Construction, sustained noticeable roof damage due to the storm. Similarly, a post from the Jay County Sheriff’s Office on social media stated a tornado had touched down just outside of Portland before 8 p.m. Sunday, causing the closure of Tyson Road. "Multiple houses in Beacon Heights and the Jay County Junior/Senior High School received damage," according to the Jay County Emergency Management, as relayed by WRTV. Notably, Jay School Corporation has announced a closure today, in response to the event.
In its coverage, FOX59 added that the National Weather Service (NWS), following initial speculations about landspouts, later confirmed the occurrence of a tornado. A commercial building in Delaware County was hit hard, enduring significant roof and structural damage. Meanwhile, WANE15 brought news that Jay County Jr./Sr. High School was significantly damaged, prompting the district to suspend school activities.
As emergency services were gauging the aftermath, Indiana-Michigan Power reported power outages affecting over 200 customers in northeastern and east central Indiana. WTHR mentioned that the landspouts that accompanied Sunday evening's storms are notorious for their elusive nature on radar and their potential to induce swift, unexpected rotation.
The National Weather Service (NWS) will conduct a damage assessment on Monday after confirming tornado touchdowns in Jay and Delaware Counties. Local authorities are on alert, with the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency reporting a funnel cloud sighting near Cammack, prompting the activation of emergency sirens. The Delaware County EMA is working with the NWS to assess the storms' impact and strength. Local news outlets like WRTV, FOX59, and WTHR are covering the situation and response efforts.
