Supercell storm caused power outages and uprooted trees, utility poles. Here's what happened
It was deja vu for many Bloomington and Monroe County residents this week as their power went out for multiple days after a mid-day storm.
Just before many people's evening commute, trees and utility poles were down all over town, causing traffic jams and safety concerns. Residents scrambled to find food, gas and ice with many stores and restaurants closed as crews worked to assess damage. A different type of storm in 2023, around the same time, also caused widespread outages for Duke Energy customers.
Here's a look at the reporting from our partners at the Bloomington Herald-Times.
Tuesday, June 25: Supercell storm hits Bloomington
Late Tuesday afternoon, a storm hit and knocked out electricity. A Duke Energy spokesperson urged residents to stay home, but the storm struck just before rush hour. Fallen debris and downed power lines made it a dangerous commute.
▶ 'Supercell storm' knocks out power to tens of thousands in southern Indiana
▶ No serious injuries reported in Bloomington storm that left thousands without power
▶ Bloomington Salvation Army shelter offers food, water, cots and air conditioning
Storm damage prompts Monroe County disaster declaration
The county issued a disaster declaration due to “excessive rain, wind damage, downed power lines and trees, and public structure damage, as well as life safety issues," according to a county commissioner.
Under state law, local officials can issue such a declaration “to activate the response and recovery aspects of all applicable local or interjurisdictional disaster emergency plans.” The declaration also authorizes “the furnishing of aid and assistance under the plans.”
▶ What to know about Monroe County's disaster declaration
'It was kind of apocalyptic': Residents recount powerful storm
While the sudden storm came as a surprise to many, some people saw the dark storm clouds rolling in and became concerned — including a lifeguard at a city pool. Below is a look at what residents and visitors to Bloomington had to say about what happened on Tuesday.
▶ Bloomington residents recount powerful Tuesday storm as city rebounds
Power restoration begins for some Duke Energy customers
By Thursday, more than half of the affected customers had their power restored, but thousands still remained without power. A Duke Energy spokesperson warned that some homes had sustained so much damage, owners might need to bring in an electrician to restore service.
▶ Thousands remain without power 2 days after storm
NWS says storm had "hurricane force" winds
National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew White told The Herald-Times the storm's winds hit 78 miles per hour at its peak. Winds more than 75 miles per hour are classified as “hurricane force,” capable of pushing moving vehicles off the highway, overturning mobile homes and peeling off roofs.
▶ What caused 78 mph wind speeds in Bloomington?
Recreation areas closed due to storm damage
Downed trees and power lines near Lake Monroe could disrupt some people's Fourth of July plans next week. As of Friday, the Paynetown and Fairfax state recreation areas at Lake Monroe were closed with restricted access.
▶ Recreation areas, trails near Lake Monroe closed
Summer 2023 storm causes power outage
In 2023, Duke Energy customers in Bloomington had a similar experience, but with a different kind of storm. A derecho hit the area June 29, knocking out power to thousands for days. Read more about that storm below.
▶ Storm leaves thousands without power
▶ Monroe County's response to derecho criticized
What to do with your food if you have no power
The massive power outage not only meant grocery stores and restaurants were closed, but also left residents scrambling to salvage what they could from their latest trip to the store. Here's the Herald-Times' guide to food safety during a power outage.
▶ Fridge and freezer without power? Your food-related questions answered
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Bloomington weather: Here's what happened with the supercell storm
