Sep 23, 2024
PORTLAND, Ind. (WANE)— The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes occurred in Jay County on Sunday evening. Watch: Funnel cloud spotted near Muncie The more impactful twister was an EF-1, with a peak wind speed of 110 mph. It was on the ground for six minutes, from 7:45 PM to 7:51 PM. It traveled 2.74 miles and had a maximum width of 75 yards. The tornado started near Blaine, Indiana, and lifted in Portland, Indiana. An EF-1 tornado occurred Sunday evening that impacted Portland, Indiana. The twister first started near the intersection of West 75 South and Joan Drive. It quickly gained intensity as it tracked southeast, hitting Jay County Jr./Sr. High School. A portion of the school was heavily damaged, with part of its roof being ripped off, along with tree and parking lot damage. Photos show storm damage to Jay County Jr-Sr High School Several nearby homes and farther east on the west side of Portland sustained roof damage, along with considerable tree damage. Damage to homes near Portland.Damage to homes near Portland.Damage to homes near Portland. Finally, the American Legion Post of Portland sustained heavy roof and second story damage before the twister lifted. As of Monday night, the Jay County Emergency Management Agency said there were no injuries to report. Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post.Damage to the Portland American Legion Post. Another tornado occurred prior to this E-1 tornado in Jay County. This happened about two miles north-northeast of Blaine, Indiana. This twister was on the ground for two minutes, from 7:42 PM to 7:44 PM. It is rated an EF-Unknown because only crop damage to a corn field occurred. Without any damage to trees or structures, the intensity of the tornado cannot be identified and receives this rating. Another EF-Unknown twister occurred in Jay County Sunday evening. There was no Tornado Warning at the time because of how rapidly and unpredictably the conditions came together to produce this twister. While rare on such a cloudy and rainy day such as Sunday, sometimes just enough spin in the atmosphere, moisture, and instability can generate a tornado. Samantha Rhodehamel, Director of Emergency Management in Jay County, says county first responders were activated quickly and everyone was accounted for before 11 PM Sunday. The county is working closely with the state and will survey on Friday to see about having federal assistance. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to report any damage and stay safe. Rhodehamel says "A lot of people initially were in shock...obviously as we all were...it was an unwarned tornado. We are all a lot of thankful people...we're a lot of blessed people. We were able to come together, nobody injured, and help each other. And everyone just seems to be very thankful and very appreciative of all the help that they are getting as well." She adds that the high school being hit is unique in this situation. For Tuesday, Kindergarten through six grades will be back to school in person, while grades seven through twelve will be on eLearning for the time being while repair efforts get underway. To track any additional chances for rain/storms in the forecast, visit our WANE 15 Forecast Page. We are thinking of those impacted by Sunday's tornadoes in Jay County.
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