RANDOLPH COUNTY — Authorities are in Winchester, Indiana, after more than three dozen injuries were reported and multiple buildings were damaged when a tornado touched down Thursday night.
Storm spotters reported a tornado in Randolph County shortly after 8 p.m. The National Weather Service confirmed Friday an EF-3 tornado touched down in Winchester.
UPDATE: An NWS Indianapolis survey team has confirmed a tornado with a preliminary damage rating of EF3 in Winchester. The team continues to survey damage and additional information will be forthcoming this evening. #INwx #indy
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) March 15, 2024
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado spent 36 minutes on the ground, covering 26 miles. Winds in the storm reached between 155 to 1665 mph.
Indiana State Police reported three people had died as a result of the storms. However, shortly before midnight, ISP Superintendent Doug Carter said those deaths had not been confirmed.
Authorities requested that the Indiana Task Force 1 respond to Randolph County to help assess the damage.
Indiana Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce 1 went door to door in the affected areas to search homes.
In an update to the community at 3:30 a.m., the Randolph County Sheriff's Office shared that 38 people were injured. A total of 12 people were taken to hospitals in the area.
In a 9:30 a.m. update, Winchester Mayor Bob McCoy says three people are critical from injuries sustained.
Indiana State Police is asking residents to avoid traveling through the area due to heavy storm damage.
McCoy says 110 homes were damaged in the city, with approximately 22 homes totaled.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office says all power lines are down on State Road 32, and travel is restricted to emergency management employees only.
A nursing home in Winchester was evacuated due to power loss and several residents have been transported to nearby hospitals, along with other residents in the area, IDHS said.
Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner says he was inside his basement while the severe storm passed through but could not leave to help for some time after due to downed power lines.
Those who want to volunteer can report to the White River Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 1023 North Old Highway 27. However, authorities are asking volunteers to hold off at this time.
The Randolph Southern School Corporation and Randolph Central School Corporation announced schools will be closed Friday.
As of 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Indiana Michigan Power reported more than 4,200 residents were without power in the area.
Winchester High School, located at 700 N Union St., says they have electricity and are open for anyone who might need shelter.
ISP says additional shelters can be found at Winchester Community High School and Willard Elementary. Insurance disaster response teams are also at the Winchester Community High School for residents to meet with adjusters to process insurance claims.
Financial Donations can be made to the 501c Community Foundation of Randolph County. Those donations will be used locally.
Residents of Randolph County are asked to contact Indiana 211 to report severe storm damage.
DELAWARE COUNTY
Storms also rumbled through Delaware County on Thursday night. Officials reported up to 50% of the structures in the town of Selma were damaged.
The National Weather Service has yet to confirm if the storm produced a tornado or not.
Delaware County Emergency Management reported one person was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and other minor injuries were reported.
Officials in Delaware County are urging the public to stay out of the Selma area as they continue to assess the damage.
"We understand you may want to help, but the extra traffic is hindering the recovery process," the Delaware County Emergency Management said in a social media post.
Liberty-Perry Community Schools will be closed Friday due to storm damage in the area.
Any displaced residents in Delaware County can go to Wapahani High School, located at 10401 E. County Road167 S.
To report any property damage in Delaware County due to the storm, click here.
