JOHNSON COUNTY — The aftermath of destructive storms and tornadoes that ripped through Central Indiana on Friday night is being faced by Johnson County as crews and the community come together to pick up the pieces.
TIMELINE
Friday, March 31:
On Friday night, a widespread severe weather event quickly traveled from west to east across all of Indiana. Reports flooded in on damage throughout Johnson, Owen and Sullivan counties.
Several reports said homes and businesses were demolished including indication that a tornado possibly touched down in Whiteland, Indiana. WRTV also received reports of a downed semi blocking I-65.
PHOTO GALLERY | Storm damage throughout Central Indiana photo gallery (wrtv.com)
Just after Midnight, Whiteland Police Department announced that the Whiteland High School would be established as a shelter.
Police reported getting numerous requests from people in the community wanting to help, stating that they will release an official check-in location on Saturday morning.
People are still however, being warned that power lines are down and to please avoid walking and driving.
Please do not walk or drive around the barriers in town. The area is still a hot zone, and crews are still going door to door. Live power lines still down! If you need to check on a friend or loved one, call dispatch at 317-346-6336 and give the address and name.
— Whiteland Police (@WhitelandPolice) April 1, 2023
Power could take a few days to restore in the community according to the utility company.
Whiteland Police asks that anyone needing to check on a friend or loved one, call dispatch at 317-346-6336 and give the address and name.
Saturday, April 1:
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.
According to NWS, two tornados touched down in Johnson County. The first was an EF-0 with winds up to 85 mph near Bargersville. The second was an EF-3 with winds up to 140 mph near Whiteland.
There were no injuries or deaths reported from these tornadoes by NWS.
On Saturday afternoon, Governor Holcomb signed an executive order declaring a disaster emergency for Sullivan and Johnson counties.
First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have perished in this storm and all who are suffering losses because of this incident. I will remain in contact with emergency management officials as well as local officials in Sullivan and Johnson counties as we continue to assess the damage, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is actively engaging with FEMA to assess the damages from the incident.
Sunday, April 2:
Several agencies are in the area to assist emergency responders, utility workers and residents.
The Salvation Army announced they will be leading the Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in Johnson County.
The town of Whiteland announced they would be on a boil water advisory. They asked residents to bring water to a full rolling boil for 5 minutes before consuming.
Monday, April 3:
On Monday, the city announced a curfew will be in affect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. for seven days to allow power crews to continue fixing damage without interruptions.
According to town officials, 69 homes had minor damage, 28 had major damage and 18 residents homes were totally destroyed.
READ MORE: How to help fellow Hoosiers hit by storms (wrtv.com)
Ways to help Whiteland:
- If you want to volunteer, call 317-671-6521 or email at whitelandtornadorelief@gmail.com.
- A family assistance center will be located at the Clark Pleasant administrative building located at 50 Center Street. Whiteland officials state this will be the center for volunteer management.
- Donations of household items are being collected at Grace Assembly Church and Mount Pleasant Impact Center.
- HeavenEarth Church is where the town would like people to pick up donated items. The church is looking for people to volunteer and sort donated items. You can sign up to do so by clicking here.
- If you would like to make monetary donations, they suggest using Johnson County Community Foundation. You can find a link to donate by clicking here.
- For regular updates check Whiteland's Facebook page.
Tuesday, April 4:
Governor Holcomb announced that one of two one-stop locations to assist resident impacted by tornadoes will be in Whiteland located at Clark Pleasant administrative building at 50 Center Street.
Whiteland also released an update on social media stating that due to the risk of severe weather on Wednesday, they will be suspending volunteer work until further notice.
VOLUNTEER UPDATE: Due to the risk of severe weather tomorrow we will be suspending volunteer work. We greatly appriciate outpouring of help, but your safety comes first. Please Share! The family assistance center will remain open. #whiteland #inwx pic.twitter.com/EfuQyCzC9L
— JOHNSON COUNTY JOINT INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM (@JOCOINIMT) April 4, 2023
Whiteland lifts the boil water advisory in a Facebook post.
