SULLIVAN COUNTY — 3 deaths and extensive damage has been reported in Sullivan County after storms and tornadoes rolled through Central Indiana Friday.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames, three deaths were reported after a tornado hit Sullivan before veering off into the county limits. There is also extensive damage, including "several homes off their foundations."
The three Sullivan residents who died were identified as Susan Kay Horton, 61, her her son Thomas Randall Horton, 38, and Shane Steven Goodman, 47.
The town of Sullivan was declared in a State of Emergency Saturday morning.
According to the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department, lines of damage stretch several miles, starting west of Sullivan in the New Lebanon area and extending east through Sullivan.
Our worst fears became a reality earlier when we learned that members of our community have lost their lives. No further information is being released on victims at this time.
Please pray for our community and the families affected. And pray for our emergency responders and utility workers who are still searching for residents and making the scene safe.
A state of emergency has been declared for the affected areas. Curiosity seekers are ordered to stay clear.
The Sullivan City Hall and local churches have been established as shelters, officials said.
The National Weather Service shared with media early Saturday morning they will send out multiple crews to inspect damage and confirm apparent tornadoes throughout central Indiana.
NWS confirmed that a EF3 tornado touched down in Sullivan County with winds of 155 mph.
On Saturday afternoon, Governor Holcomb signed an executive order declaring a disaster emergency for Sullivan and Johnson counties.
The City of Sullivan also announced that a curfew will go in affect on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Several agencies are in the area offering food and resources to emergency responders, utility workers and displaced residents. It was reported that over 200 homes were completely demolished.
The Salvation Army will focus on immediate relief and long-term assistance for those who are displaced due to storms. The Emergency Disaster Services are currently set up at First Christian Church at 105 N. Broad Street. They will prepare meals for distribution in the community Saturday. An EDS Canteen has also been brought from Evansville to provide mobile food and water delivery.
READ MORE: How to help fellow Hoosiers hit by storms (wrtv.com)
