Duke Energy is currently working to restore power for up to 1,274 Monroe County residents as of 9:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the company’s website. The outages, caused by a severe thunderstorm, are estimated to be restored by 3:15 a.m. Friday.
The county remains under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. Thursday, previously 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Tornado watches are issued when tornados are possible in and around the area.
The NWS issued a tornado warning for the county at 6:39 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. and extended the issue at 7:01 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. after the severe thunderstorm turned into a damaging tornado, according to two IU Notify Bloomington alert emails.
Tornado warnings are issued after a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and mean there’s imminent danger to life and property.
Monroe County deputies are assessing storm damage on Bloomington’s west side, where power outages have darkened traffic lights and downed power lines, posing serious dangers, Bloomington Police Department Captain Ryan Pedigo wrote in an email.
Officials urge residents to stay home and avoid the west side of Bloomington, specifically the Highland Village area, including parts of West Third Street, Park Square Drive, Curry Pike and Liberty Drive, Pedigo wrote. All non-working traffic signals should be treated as four-way stops, according to a Facebook post by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
A tornado appeared to cause damage at the Fifth Third Bank at 3415 W. Third Street, the Monroe County Airport and several houses, according to WISH TV.
This story may be updated.
Severe thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon and evening in Monroe County, with the potential for isolated tornadoes.