INDIANAPOLIS — Many across central Indiana were left without power Saturday due to a strong and quick-moving storm system that damaged trees and scattered debris.
A deep low-pressure system lifted northeast out of the southern plains to the upper Midwest throughout the day. As it did, it created a strong pressure gradient, which creates strong wind gusts.
There was also a strong low-level jet, about a mile off the ground, with wind speeds exceeding 60 mph.
Many cities across central Indiana experienced wind gusts over 50 mph. One of the strongest wind gusts was recorded in Lafayette at 64 mph after 3:30 p.m.
At times sustained wind speeds were over 30 mph, close to 40 mph.
The wind gusts that occurred across central Indiana were not due to severe thunderstorms, but some were just as strong.
The wind criteria for severe thunderstorms is 58 mph or greater. This is why there were many reports of tree damage and power outages.
Between AES Indiana, Indiana Michigan Power and Duke Energy, a total of more than 20,000 customers were without power in central Indiana.
In Putnam County, deputies and other first responders have kept busy with downed power lines and trees and other debris and in the road.
On one of those calls, two bystanders helped a deputy remove a tree from U.S. 40.
To view or report outages for Duke Energy, click here.
