Bloomington, Indiana – An EF2 tornado carved a 250-yard-wide path through Monroe County Friday night, damaging homes, tossing debris, and snapping trees along a multi-mile stretch of southern Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, the tornado was part of a long-track supercell that originated in Illinois and swept across central Indiana. Damage surveys confirm the tornado first touched down in western Monroe County and traveled east, with the most severe destruction near old State Road 37.
In the Clear Creek area, the tornado tore the roof off a post office and flung it nearly 50 yards. A barn near SR 45 and Elwren Road lost two walls and its roof. East of there, two garages were obliterated, and debris was hurled up to 100 yards. A metal storage unit landed atop cars, and several vehicles were overturned. One A-frame home was ripped from its foundation but remained intact.
The most severe EF2 damage occurred when an older motel lost portions of its roof and side wall. Numerous nearby trees were also snapped. Weaker EF0 and EF1 impacts were reported across the rest of the county.
Residents should stay clear of damaged areas and report hazards. Damage surveys will continue Sunday.
