MONROE CO. – More than 100 damage reports have been collected by Indiana 211 following Tuesday’s storm event in Monroe County.
The National Weather Service confirmed that 65-75 mph straight-line winds damaged homes and property in Monroe, Owen, Vigo, and Clay counties. All four counties have declared or plan to declare local disasters.
No reports of significant injuries have been received at this point. Impacted residents in these four counties are asked to call 211 or report damage here.
Damage
Most damage reports involve overturned trees on homes, some of which have significant damage. Only a handful of residents reported their homes to be uninhabitable.
The local Salvation Army reported that only two residents utilized the 111 North Rogers Street shelter, which will close today. However, residents with housing needs should contact Vinal Lee with the Salvation Army at 765-227-6909. This shelter is only available for residents whose homes were impacted by the storm.
As of 1 p.m., Thursday, approximately 28,000 power outages were reported across Indiana, with nearly 16,000 reported in Monroe County. Bloomington residents are asked to avoid traveling on High Street until Friday.
Food/Water
Hoosier Hills Food Bank will offer a free emergency food distribution from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday at 2333 West Industrial Park Drive. An assortment of both perishable and non-perishable goods will be provided. Limit two households per vehicle, with no exceptions.
Community donations are also welcome. Contact hhfoodbank.org or contribute to P.O. Box 697, Bloomington, IN 47402.
Additionally, residents on SNAP benefits may be eligible to replace lost food by contacting the local Monroe County Division of Family Resources, 1531 South Curry Pike, Suite 300, Bloomington, IN, (800- 403 0864) or https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/.
Bottled water distribution will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Sherwood Oaks Church, 2700 East Rogers Road. Residents in need can drive in and pick up two cases (maximum) of water, which will be distributed from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.
Debris Removal
Property owners with storm-damaged trees and debris are asked to cut the debris and stack it near the edge of the property. Monroe County and the City of Bloomington are formulating plans to remove the debris using city/county departments and potentially private contractors.
The city and county crews will not remove home-damaged debris, construction debris, or damaged home goods. Stacked vegetative debris must not impede traffic on the public roadway. Only vegetative debris is eligible for removal.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department reported all downed powerlines have been neutralized, although residents should always avoid contact with downed lines.
Cooling Stations
Due to sustained heat, public safety personnel temporarily coordinate cooling centers to support those impacted by the storm. Cooling stations have been established in Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Unionville.
A full list can be found here.
Indiana Volunteer Organizations After Disaster (IN VOAD), Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, and various cleanup crews continue to mobilize.
