INDIANA, USA — Rain and storms moved through central Indiana Sunday evening causing widespread damage mostly in the eastern portion of the state.
The rain brought what's called "landspouts," which are difficult to see on radar and can bring sudden rotation without any warning. However, the 13News meteorologists say there were at least two tornados that touched down. The National Weather Service will survey the damage on Monday to determine the severity.
The Jay County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook shortly before 8 p.m. on Sept. 22 that a tornado had reportedly touched down outside the town of Portland. The sheriff's office then announced Tyson Road had been closed until further notice.
Heavy damage was reported in Portland. The sheriff's office urged citizens to stay inside unless in the case of an emergency. A viewer shared photos of Jay County High School, showing damage to the building in the wake of the storms.
Due to the damage at Jay County Jr./Sr. High School, classes have been cancelled for Sept. 23.
"This evening, Jay County Jr-Sr High was impacted by a tornado and sustained significant damage in a portion of the building. There have been no reports of injuries associated with this incident. As a result, the Jay School Corporation will be closed tomorrow, September 23rd, 2024, (no eLearning / Remote Learning). We are currently conducting a thorough assessment of the site with local emergency management officials. We will provide an update tomorrow afternoon."
The Delaware County Sheriff says the storm damaged the TK Construction facility. A first responder reportedly spotted a tornado, but the National Weather Service has yet to confirm any kind of funnel clouds.
The town of Cammack, which is near Yorktown and west of Muncie, appears to have gotten severe damage as well. A viewer shared photos of damage in the town.
The National Weather Service says landspouts and tornados were spotted, but has not confirmed either at this time.
Other photos show damage to houses in Jay County.
In a Facebook post, Delaware County Emergency Management explained public safety personnel had spotted a funnel cloud and out of caution, set off outdoor warning sirens without a National Weather Service warning.
13News reporter Marina Silva visited the site of TK Construction in Delaware County and observed twisted metal and wreckage from the storm.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down near Yorktown and will be rated on Monday.
More photos show damage at the American Legion in Portland. County Commissioner Brian McGalliard captured photos of the damage and said he was just down the street from the American Legion and never heard anything.
