Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, November 18, 2013
(WASHINGTON) - Sycamore Street in Washington looks like a bomb was detonated.
A tornado swept across the west side of town leaving a path of destruction.
Roger Watson, who lives at 501 Sycamore St., says he could see the tornado bouncing down the alley behind his home. Watson attempted to get into his mother's home but the storm knocked him down.
"All I could do was roll into a ball and listen to the windows being blown out," Watson says.
When Watson was able to get up the roof of his home and several others were missing.
One vacant home was knocked off its foundation and thrown several feet.
Numerous homes were damaged or destroyed, along with trees and vehicles.
Among the businesses damaged were Crackers and Reeds Deli on West National Highway, Etiennes Farm Market on the Highway 50 by-pass at Maysville Road, and GPC.
Classes are cancelled today in the Washington, Washington Catholic, and Barr Reeve School Systems.
A number of businesses have delayed their openings this morning.
The Indiana State Police issued a curfew for residents. The curfew began Sunday and runs until dusk today.
The curfew means that there are to be no citizens walking about throughout the city limits, nor should there be any driving on city roadways unless in the case of an emergency.
Washington Street Superintendent Ernie Evans is convinced the damage was the result of a tornado.
He filmed the storm from his home on Vincennes Avenue then lost it as it hit Hudson's and the shopping center.
Mayor Joe Wellman says the storm hit Ettienne's Farm Market, damaged homes around Cindy Kay Drive, hit the shopping center on the west side, WAMW, and Reid's Deli, then down along Sycamore before stopping close to Meridian Street.
City Fire Chief David Rhoads said six homes in total were completely destroyed by the tornado.
While numerous homes and buildings were damaged, there were no reports of serious injuries.
City crews hit the streets with heavy equipment to remove debris and to restore power.
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