News Summary
On June 18, Indiana faced severe thunderstorms that led to destructive winds, power outages, and significant damage. The storms resulted in over 100,000 residents losing power and prompted a statewide response from emergency services as communities assessed the widespread destruction. Tornado warnings were issued, urging residents to stay alert throughout the day. As recovery begins, many are left with significant wreckage and ongoing weather alerts.
Severe Thunderstorms Wreak Havoc in Indiana
Residents across Indiana found themselves in the midst of a chaotic weather day on June 18 as severe thunderstorms tore through the state, leaving a trail of destruction. By late afternoon, the worst of the storm had passed, but not without causing catastrophic power outages and damage to countless properties.
Storms Roll In and Cause Chaos
The thunderstorms first rolled into the area earlier in the day with ominous predictions floating around for what was to come. A tornado watch was issued for most of Indiana as early as the morning, and the atmosphere quickly escalated. By the time the clock struck 4:15 p.m., a tornado warning had been declared for several counties, including Hendricks, Boone, and Marion, keeping residents on high alert until just after 4:45 p.m.
Power Outages and Wind Damage
The severe weather brought with it winds that reached stunning velocities of up to 80 mph, qualifying the storm as destructive. In just a matter of hours, approximately 100,000 residents were left in the dark, as power outages swept through the region. By 7:30 p.m., AES Indiana reported nearly 67,579 customers without power, while Duke Energy clocked in with about 69,160 outages statewide.
Response to the Storm
First responders were deployed across the state to tackle the aftermath of the storm, addressing downed power lines and the countless trees that had been uprooted. More than 65,000 outages were reported in Marion County alone, highlighting the intense impact of the storm. Outages weren’t limited to Marion either; damage was seen across various towns including Seymour, Columbus, and Greenwood, prompting multiple severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service.
Wave of Destruction
As communities began to assess the damage, reports of widespread destruction emerged. The hardest-hit areas included Putnam and Owen counties, where roofs were ripped off homes and debris filled yards. Families faced a daunting clean-up, dealing with not only the absence of power but also the wreckage left behind. Some residents had experienced lingering outages from earlier storms, exacerbating an already stressful situation.
Continuous Weather Alerts
To make matters worse, the day continued with additional warnings for severe thunderstorms, suggesting that the risk of more extreme weather was still in play. As night approached, residents were urged to remain cautious. The IMPD reminded everyone to steer clear of downed power lines and only call 911 in true emergencies.
Looking Ahead
With the storms finally exiting the state by 7 p.m., there is a sense of relief that they weren’t hanging around longer than expected. However, the damage done is clear, and many residents will find themselves recovering for quite some time. The community is coming together to help one another during this challenging time, and despite the chaotic weather, the spirit of Indiana remains strong.
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Additional Resources
- Indianapolis Star
- Wikipedia: Severe thunderstorm
- WSPA
- Google Search: Severe thunderstorm impacts Indiana
- ABC 13
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm damage Indiana
- Shreveport Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorms
- KVOE
- Google News: Indiana storm damage
Author: HERE Greenwood
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