Latest active warnings | Check the Storm Track 8 interactive radar | Download the WISH-TV weather app for automatic storm warnings
COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — Some Bartholomew County residents on Wednesday were not done with storm cleanup and already another severe storm was heading their way, the third system in just two weeks.
Storm Track 8 meteorologist says Wednesday night’s system, which was just entering Indiana about 6 p.m., has a chance for tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain fall, flooding and hail, all severe weather threats. However, Bartholomew County was not under a tornado watch, as much of western Indiana was at 6 p.m.
Shannan Cooke, director at Bartholomew County Emergency Management, said, it’s better to be prepared. “Remember nighttime tornadoes are really hard to see. Be prepared. Have your phones charged. You might want to have clothes next to your bed.”
The county was under a severe weather advisory from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday, with the worst of the storms coming before 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Cooke recommends people keep batteries on hand for flashlights, and have a radio or phone nearby in case of emergencies. She also recommends people get weather alerts in multiple ways, whether its the radio or social media. “Outdoor warning sirens are meant to warn people outdoors. Don’t rely on them especially with nighttime tornadoes.”
Cooke recommends people have a safe place to go, like a basement or part of your home where there are numerous walls between you and outside.
Cook also said people should keep medications in hand, and remember their pets.
On March 19, just two weeks ago, two electric transmission towers were crumbled by a tornado with peak winds of 112 mph. According to the National Weather Service, metal farm buildings and utility poles also were downed in the March 19 tornado. Trees and powerlines also were downed in both storms, the latest one being on Sunday.
Duke Energy emphasizes that people should stay away from sagging powerlines or ones that have fallen, and just consider that they are all energized and call 911 to report them. “We want to emphasize especially the flooding were seeing in the forecast. Electric currents pass really easily underwater,” said McKenzie Barbknect, a spokesperson at Duke Energy.
