GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Saturday afternoon, an EF-2 tornado with winds of up to 130 MPH ripped through eastern Greene County near Crowe Road and State Road 54.
“It traveled approximately 3 or 4 miles due east and left a swath of damage,” said Roger Axe, Greene County EMA director.
The tornado caused approximately 111 to lose power, flooding that has temporarily closed portions of State Road 54, and damage to 70 homes including three that were destroyed.
One of those impacted by this tornado is Violet Tally, who returned to her home to find severe damage.
“It took two of my barns out. It took the roof off of my house,” Tally said.
Although the damage, Axe says there were no reports of any injuries or deaths.
Axe credits this to several things including people becoming more knowledgeable about tornadoes.
“I think it was a lot of luck and people are learning more and more about what to do and what not to do in a tornado,” Axe said.
Monday, crews will spend much of their afternoon restoring power in the area.
For residents like violet tally, she says the cost to fix her home will be expensive but she will remain in good spirits.
“I enjoy living out here in the country but things like this happens and I’m thankful that no one got hurt,” Tally said.
According to Axe, the Red Cross did set up a shelter for those impacted by the tornado but it was not used.
Greene County commissioner, Nathan Abrams, says a command center has been created at the Center Township Fire Station where volunteers can help clean-up or donations can be dropped off.
A representative with Western Indiana REMC says they hope to have all power restored by Tuesday evening.
Although no one was injured, Axe says he believes Greene county needs a reverse 911 system.
This allows 911 to notify residents of an emergency via phone.
Axe says he plans to bring this issue to the Greene County council.
