NWS Confirms Tornado in Madison County and Assesses Damage
Source: X / @NWS
UPDATE: The National Weather Service says the tornado that hit Western Madison County Monday night is an EF-2. It had maximum sustained wind speeds at 130 mph. It began in Hamilton County as an EF0 before traveling into Madison County and picking up steam. No one was hurt or killed, but the storm severely damaged the Frankton-Lapel Community Schools Administration Building.
Emergency representatives in the area say the roof of the gymnasium was lifted off the building and thrown 150 yards to the north.
That building is a former school that now houses administrative offices. Concrete blocks were also ripped from walls by the tornado and thrown on top of several school buses, which could affect how students get to and from school.
No one was injured.
MADISON COUNTY, IND — The National Weather Service (NWS) reported a tornado striking Madison County on Monday night. On Tuesday morning, NWS teams examined the damage and confirmed that it was consistent with a tornado.
“Based on what they saw, they were able to distinguish circulation-type motions,” says Aaron Updike with the National Weather Service.
Straight-line winds and tornadoes can have similar wind speeds, making it hard to tell when a tornado has occurred. “We are looking at convergent damage,” Updike says, explaining the difference between straight-line winds and tornado damage. “There are different indications on lofting.”
The Frankton-Lapel Community Schools Administration Building at 7916 W. 300 North in Anderson suffered heavy roof and wall damage. Two homes in Perkinsville also sustained storm damage.
More severe weather may occur over the next few days as forecasters monitor storms in Iowa that could move into Indiana later today.
