At least 38 people injured after tornado hits Delaware and Randolph Counties, no deaths reported

False information regarding injuries and fatalities stemming from yesterday’s tornado event has circulated on various social media platforms.

Below is the accurate information concerning the tornado:

• A Declaration of Emergency for Randolph County was signed around 12:15 AM.
• The Indiana Urban Search and Rescue Team (IN-Task Force 1) was requested to aid local first responders in searching structures.
• No fatalities have been reported in Randolph County.
• There have been 38 reported injuries, with 12 individuals transported to nearby hospitals.
• As of 3:30 AM, approximately 4,756 customers are without power.
• Most mutual aid law enforcement, fire, and EMS equipment has been released.
• Following daybreak, officials will conduct a comprehensive damage assessment.
• As of 3:30 AM, no individuals have been reported missing.
• Public information will be disseminated to the media via Randolph County’s unified command structure as necessary, with the next briefing scheduled for 0930.
• Randolph E-911, Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, and Randolph County HSEM will provide official updates as required.

Officials are currently in Winchester, Indiana, following reports of over three dozen injuries and significant damage to multiple buildings after a suspected tornado struck on Thursday night.

Storm spotters observed a tornado touching down in Randolph County shortly after 8 p.m. The National Weather Service is still in the process of verifying the specifics of the storm, with further details expected to emerge after daybreak on Friday.

Indiana State Police initially stated that three individuals had died due to the storms. However, shortly before midnight, ISP Superintendent Doug Carter clarified that these deaths had not been confirmed.

Authorities then requested the assistance of Indiana Task Force 1 to assess the damage in Randolph County. In an update provided to the community at 3:30 a.m., the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office reported that 38 people had sustained injuries, with 12 of them transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Indiana State Police advise residents to refrain from traveling through the affected area due to extensive storm damage. According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, all power lines along State Road 32 are down, and travel is limited to emergency management personnel.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has noted severe damage to several businesses and continues to receive reports of injuries.

A nursing home in Winchester was evacuated due to power outages, and multiple residents have been taken to nearby hospitals, along with others from the surrounding area, as reported by IDHS.

Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner mentioned that he took shelter in his basement during the severe storm. However, he faced difficulties in immediately assisting due to fallen power lines.

Superintendent Carter emphasized during a press briefing that individuals might still be trapped within structures or debris, prompting law enforcement to conduct search and rescue operations. Volunteers interested in assisting can go to the White River Volunteer Fire Department at 1023 North Old Highway 27.

The Randolph Southern School Corporation and Randolph Central School Corporation have declared school closures for Friday. At 12:45 a.m. on Friday, Indiana Michigan Power reported 5,543 residents without electricity in the area.

Winchester High School, situated at 700 N Union St., confirms they have power and are available as a shelter for those in need. ISP advises that additional shelters are available at Winchester Community High School and Willard Elementary.

DELAWARE COUNTY

Storms swept through Delaware County on Thursday night, causing significant damage to up to 50% of the structures in the town of Selma.

The National Weather Service has not confirmed whether the storm spawned a tornado. Delaware County Emergency Management stated that one person was taken to a local hospital for treatment, and there were reports of minor injuries.

Due to storm damage in the area, Liberty-Perry Community Schools will be closed on Friday.

Displaced residents in Delaware County are encouraged to seek shelter at Wapahani High School, situated at 10401 E. County Road167 S.