Crews assessing damage from storms; Utility companies making repairs

Authorities say that Bartholomew County appears to have escaped last night’s severe storms without anyone getting injured or killed, however trees, powerlines, barns and roofs did not escape undamaged.

Officials with Bartholomew County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are out assessing damage today, after reports that a tornado touched down last night in the county.

Sgt. Dane Duke with the sheriff’s department explains.

Officials say that utility crews are hard at work in Bartholomew County trying to repair the power line damage from last night’s storms.

Duke said that several giant powerline towers collapsed in the area of County Road 525E, bringing down a major power line. He estimated the road will be closed for several days while crews repair the line.

Authorities urge you not to approach downed power lines, as they may still be live. You should call 911 if you have power lines down on your property or come across power lines down across the road.

Emergency officials urge you to remain out of the damaged areas in the county until first responders and utility companies can clear the downed power lines and debris.

Photo courtesy of Clay Township Volunteer Fire Department.