(RIDGEPORT) – The Center-Jackson Fire Territory responded to a possible tornado touchdown in the area of Indiana State Road 54 and Crowe Road in eastern Greene County on Saturday.
While the department was responding to the area they found numerous trees and homes damaged from Eastern Greene Elementary School to Crowe Road.
Firefighters performed a primary search of the area for injuries and other emergencies. No injuries were reported. They did find that a natural gas main broke near the intersection of Indiana State Road 445/45. Firefighters evacuated the area until the gas main could be fixed.
A second search of the area was performed along with firefighters cutting trees and removing debris from the roadways. The areas impacted included Lawrence Hollow addition, Shady Meadows II, Raines Road, Wolfe Road, Ray Road, Crowe Road, Eastern Lane, and State Road 54.
Officials request for people to avoid the area while emergency crews continue to work and clean up from the storm damage. If there are other areas that have damage you are encouraged to contact emergency officials.
A shelter was opened at the Center Township Fire Station on State Road 54 between State Road 45 and State Road 445 for storm victims and remains open for those needing a place to stay. The department can be contacted at (812) 825-2799.
There were more than 75 emergencies reported to the fire department and they were assisted by the Eastern Greene Fire Department, Taylor Fire Department, Richland Fire Department, Indiana State Police, Greene County Sheriff’s Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Greene County Ambulance Service, Greene County Emergency Management, Red Cross, and Grips Pizza.
Utilities District of Western Indiana reported that there was damage to transmission lines at the Freeman Substation. This feeds into Whitehall, Newark, and the New Hope area and will take a little time to get restored.
