A EF2 tornado touched down in northern Monroe County Wednesday night, damaging homes, downing trees and power lines and forcing a temporary closure of Interstate 69.
At 9:55 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service confirmed a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” was northwest of Bloomington moving east at 45 miles per hour. Two minutes later, NWSsaid the tornado would impact Interstate 65 near mile marker 75.
The tornado was part of a broader severe weather system that prompted tornado watches across much of central and southern Indiana into early Thursday. All lanes on I-69 were closed at midnight near mile marker 130 due to downed trees and power lines.
As of Thursday morning, all lanes have reopened.
Monroe County Emergency Management said in a press release Thursday morning that the storm caused damage to a rural area outside Stinesville, near Gosport and the southern Morgan County Border, leaving one person injured and transported to a local hospital.
The county advised residents to refrain from traveling in this area, with motorists being advised to avoid Bottom Road due to flooding until further notice.
The agency said it was assessing the full scope of damage. Several structures in the region were reported impacted by the storm, with downed trees and power lines making travel difficult.
“The Emergency Management Agency is currently working on conducting damage assessments to determine the extent of the damage caused by this storm system,” the release said.
For families impacted by the severe storm, a temporary American Red Cross shelter, located at the Stinesville Community Building, will be open for assistance and shelter until further notice. Survivorsare to enter through the back door of the cafeteria.
Those who received storm damage to their residence or business can report the damage through 211 or visit in211.org.
