Today is all about the aftermath, storm rips up the area with 60mph winds
What has officially been described as, “a significant weather supercell,” has caused extensive damage across our region, tearing down thousands of trees, knocking out power to more than 40,000 homes, and generally wreaking havoc throughout south central Indiana, specifically, the hardest hit areas of Bloomington, Terre Haute, and Sullivan.
Duke Energy crews have been working around the clock assessing damage and doing what they can to re-establish power and safe conditions for us all, but there are currently no timelines being offered as to when normalcy might return.
The good news is that we do not have any current reports of fatalities due to the storm, but that does not change the reality that lives have been greatly impacted and challenges will likely remain for days ahead.
Liz Irwin Duke Energy’s Community relations manager told us that they have brought contractors in from out of state and are using the parking lot of memorial stadium as their temprorary meeting grounds.
We have also spoken with Monroe County Commissioner Julie Thomas, who said that this morning the paperwork will be signed in the declaration of a local emergency which will allow Monroe County to compile info about damage to homes and businesses – if it meets a threshold, we may be eligible for state/federal funding. Without the declaration we would not be eligible. The county Emergency management team will also provide the commissioners an update, during the meeting.
Commissioner Thomas also urges the public to limit travel as the highway department continues to clean up area roads, and first responders will have a strong presence. She also requests that everyone checks on neighbors, especially those that are most vulnerable.
In short, stay off of the roads unless it is vital.
If you must travel, please know that many intersections remain without power. A reminder that such intersections are treated as an all way stop. There is also a lot of debris on the roads and visibility might be reduced at intersections with piled branches.
Additionally, if you are cleaning debris at your own property, be aware if anything is touching a powerline. Stay away from any powerlines or trees that are in contact.
Some common sense reminders while we are all distracted by the enormous clean-up now required.
Please stay safe!