Jay County tornado confirmed in Wednesday’s storm system

The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF0 tornado touched down in Jay County at 9:16 a.m. Tuesday morning.  It was part of a storm system that produced at least four tornadoes in Indiana.

The agency’s report shows an estimated peak wind speed of 80 miles per hour.  The twister was on the ground near Redkey for a little less than four miles.

According to the report, the tornado snapped three power poles, caused roof damage to a house, and damaged several barns and a greenhouse.  It also downed several trees.  Jay County Emergency Management says no one was injured or killed.

Another tornado that was part of the same storm system was responsible for the deaths of an elderly couple in Lake Village, Indiana, when it struck their home.

The tornadoes came during Severe Weather Preparedness Week, after a Tuesday morning statewide tornado drill.  Meteorologist Jason Puma with the National Weather Service office in Indianapolis said the timeliness of these weather events is a good reminder of why preparation is key.

“Having a plan, and getting the information and practicing the plan like we do during Severe Weather Preparedness Week is ideal so when the severe weather does strike, you know what to do and you know how to get to your safe location,” Puma said.

Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host.  Contact her at slwiechmann@bsu.edu.