The Indianapolis Department of Homeland Security tweeted that police confirmed at least three funnel clouds in the city. Starbucks released a statement, saying, “We want to express our heartfelt concern for all those personally affected by a tornado that touched down in the community Kokomo, Indiana, this afternoon”.
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There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Broken power lines are the remnants of an apparent tornado that touched down in Kokomo, Ind., Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016.
WLS-TV reported central and north Indiana saw at least six tornado touchdowns, while Indiana Department of Homeland Security spokesman John Erickson said almost 32,000 homes in the region were reported without power.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence hugged and chatted with residents in a neighborhood where the damage seemed to skip some homes altogether.
Officials in Van Wert County say at least two tornadoes touched down about 2 miles apart, tearing roofs off homes and flattening barns.
The Associated Press reported about a dozen injuries in Kokomo. Indiana State Police said approximately 15 to 20 people sustained minor injuries during the tornadoes, mostly as the result of flying debris.
Howard County Commissioner Paul Wyman said the area faced tornado damage to homes and businesses in 2013 and “will bounce back once again”.
Bursten said those injured included a 5-month-old child who suffered a laceration in Montgomery County.
He credited quick thinking and early warnings of the approaching storm for the lack of serious injuries.
The National Weather Service said an EF3 tornado hit the south side of Kokomo, Indiana, packing winds of up to 165 miles per hour.
If no school tomorrow everyone meet at Kokomo High School at 1 o’clock and we can auto pool and go help places that were hit!
Utility companies reported more than 39,000 customers were without power as of 6:25 p.m. Duke Energy said more than 25,000 customers lost electricity in Howard County alone.
A warning for Clinton, Carroll and Howard counties remains in effect until 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The weather service also said Indiana State Police observed a tornado northwest of the Montgomery County town of New Ross, or about 35 miles (56.3 km) northwest of Indianapolis.
A tornado that touched down in the Crawfordsville area was given a preliminary rating of EF-1.
Aerial footage of Kokomo broadcast by WTHR showed a five-block residential area where at least 10 homes were largely obliterated and several others heavily damaged by the storm.
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Kokomo schools superintendent posted on Facebook late Wednesday evening that school was canceled for Thursday.
