Columbus, Indiana – A Tornado Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. EST Thursday for parts of Shelby, Brown, Johnson, and Bartholomew counties, including Columbus and a heavily traveled stretch of Interstate 65.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles west of Columbus at 7:46 p.m., moving east at 40 mph. Radar shows rotation within the storm, which is also producing ping pong ball-size hail measuring up to 1.50 inches in diameter.
This storm is moving directly along the I-65 corridor.
Drivers between mile markers 65 and 84 could encounter sudden zero-visibility downpours, hail accumulation, and debris on the roadway within minutes. Communities including Edinburgh, Princes Lakes, Taylorsville, Clifford, Peoga, and Spearsville are in the warning path.
Flying debris will be dangerous to anyone without shelter.
Residents should move immediately to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. Those in vehicles or mobile homes should seek substantial shelter now.
The storm will continue east across Bartholomew County through 8 p.m. EST. The Tornado Warning remains in effect for the warned counties until 8 p.m. EST Thursday.
