This story has been updated.
In an evening of severe weather, a tornado did extensive damage to two towns in Randolph and Delaware counties. But, as IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, officials say the storm could have been much worse.
In Winchester, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department says overnight reports of mass casualties on social media were false.
Winchester Mayor Bob McCoy says 38 people were injured, three critically. No one died. The damage in Winchester, he says, is extensive.
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“Twenty-two homes possibly totally destroyed and 110 badly damaged. Again, very lucky. There were houses that are leveled. Taco Bell – leveled. So, I really praise the Lord for this one, because we could have been – it could have been really bad.”
Governor Eric Holcomb, the Indiana State Police, and many state agencies are in Winchester to help restore power, assess damage, and help residents find each other at an emergency center set up at Winchester Community High School.
Police also say residents evacuated from a local nursing home without power have been taken to a nearby hotel.
McCoy says anyone wanting to give monetary donations should contact the Community Foundation of Randolph County.
The Heart of Indiana United Way is also starting a tornado recovery fund for both Winchester and Selma.
The same tornado also did damage to Selma in nearby Delaware County. Emergency management officials say half of the town’s structures sustained damage. Minor injuries were reported.
The twister also reportedly struck cars on Indiana 32.
A reunification center was established at Wapahani High School to support those in the Selma area who may have been displaced or separated from loved ones.
And, emergency management officials are asking people that don’t live in Selma to stay away from the area. They say the extra traffic is “hindering the recovery process” and public volunteers will be called for if needed.
Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host. Contact her at slwiechmann@bsu.edu. Stan Sollars is our Morning Edition host and a senior lecturer in Ball State’s Department of Media. Contact him at stansollars@bsu.edu.