Indianapolis, IN
NWS confirms that an EF1 tornado hit Carmel and an EF2 tornado hit Hendricks county
Drone shows Carmel damage from unconfirmed tornado, severe weather
Aerial views show the damage caused by the severe weather and reported tornadoes that passed through central Indiana on Wednesday.
After a night of destructive winds tearing through parts of Hamilton and Hendricks County, the National Weather Service of Indianapolis confirmed Thursday afternoon that both areas had been hit by tornadoes.
The National Weather Service of Indianapolis survey teams confirmed that Carmel had been hit with an EF1 tornado, which could clock between 86 to 110 mph, while the northeast end of Hendricks County was hit by an EF2 tornado, which could clock between 111 to 135 mph.
Carmel city leaders confirmed at their Thursday afternoon council meeting that no one had been injured during the storm.
This falls in line with information that was reported last night, the NWS radars indicated that a tornado was forming shortly after 9:30 p.m. in Zionsville, which was moving northeast at 65 mph. The city of Carmel alerted residents on social media that “a tornado is on the ground in the area. Take shelter immediately.”
After the tornado tore through the city, photos and videos began to emerge of the damage that occurred throughout the city.
The powerful storm appeared to hit a Midtown industrial corridor just west of the Monon Trail particularly hard in Carmel, according to information released by the city. Several businesses along Third Avenue SW and Carmel Drive had torn-up roofs and shattered glass across parking lots.
Earlier in the night, the Hendricks County tornado severely damaged a warehouse in Brownsburg. The sheared-off wall and partially collapsed roof of the Sur La Table warehouse was one of the most striking images from Wednesday night’s storm damage.
In response to the damage, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam declared a local state of emergency Thursday at 1 p.m. as the Hamilton County city reckons with ongoing storm damage and recovery operations. The Carmel City Council also voted in an emergency meeting to allocate up to $250,000 from the city’s general fund to pay for damage and cleanup in addition to up to $50,000 to be directed to a parks fund.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also announced he would activate the Indiana National Guard to help residents impacted by the severe weather.
“Hoosier Guardsmen always answer the call to serve our state and our nation,” Braun said in the press release. “In times like these, I’m immensely grateful for the soldiers who are on the ground ensuring Hoosier safety.”
The full extent of the damage in Carmel and across the state has not been determined yet. The Governor’s Office team is still investigating the matter and will update the public as it learns more.
Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.
Video with this story aired prior to Indianapolis police reporting that the person had died.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Homicide detectives were investigating after a person died Friday night at a hospital, Indianapolis police said.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department went to a report of a person shot just before 10:20 p.m. Friday in the 1600 block of South State Avenue. That’s in a residential area with one convenience store southeast of downtown, just north of East Minnesota Street.
It was not immediately clear from IMPD whether the area was safe, whether a suspect is being sought, or what may have led to the shooting. Also, no information was provided on the person who was fatally shot.
A media notification from Sgt. Christopher Higgins wrote, “An update will be provided at a later time.”
The Indianapolis Colts had an active offseason, trading away wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. while strengthening their defense. With training camp drawing closer, Indianapolis is reportedly considering a move to help out quarterback Daniel Jones.
According to ESPN‘s Stephen Holder, the Colts are “still mulling” a potential addition at wide receiver, with some options in NFL free agency like Keenan Allen and Deebo Samuel under consideration.
One NFL Free Agent Each Team Should Sign
Indianapolis doesn’t necessarily need to add another pass-catcher if everything is perfect. Alec Pierce is coming off a 1,000-yard campaign, Josh Downs has shown real promise when operating as the No. 2 receiver and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine provides solid depth.
However, Pierce underwent ankle surgery in late April and might not return until “late” in Colts training camp. While it’s believed that he is in no jeopardy of missing time this season, his absence this summer does highlight the room to upgrade at the No. 3 receiver spot.
Samuel might make the most sense for Indianapolis. In 16 games this past season, he recorded 72 receptions for 727 receiving yards, earning a first down on 44.4 percent of his catches. The veteran wideout’s ability to both work underneath and be used out of the backfield makes him a better fit for Shane Steichen’s offense than Allen.
Ideally, the team would sign someone like Samuel and then shift Westbrook-Ikhine into the No. 4 role that he’s better suited for. That would also allow for Ashton Dulin and Anthony Gould to primarily play special teams, with rookie Deion Burks simply working to earn a spot on the roster.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — School’s out for the summer, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is offering free activities designed to steer kids away from gangs and violence. The programs help young people build connections with police officers.
One long-running program continues to make an impact.
G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Camp has been around for nearly 30 years. This camp expands on the school-year G.R.E.A.T. curriculum, reinforcing leadership, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills and mentorship from IMPD officers.
Dwayncate Vinson has attended camp for four years.
“It helps, like, what to do and what not to do. If you have an encounter with a police officer,” Vinson said.
He says he loves the activities like playing basketball and going to Kings Island.
During the summer, students take part in team-building activities and community service projects. They also get the chance to meet and interact with specialty units, including K-9 officers and SWAT teams.
“I would recommend this camp because it helps you stay out of trouble when you grow up, and if you want to become a police officer, it can help you with that a lot,” said Vinson.
While campers say the program is a lot of fun, organizers say it’s also about connecting kids with resources and positive role models. IMPD GREAT officer and organizer Marilyn Grunell has been spearheading the program for decades.
“We don’t want them to repeat that cycle; we want them to walk away from the violence instead of getting involved in it,” Grunell said.
The camp allows the kids to spend time with police officers one-on-one in a safe and welcoming environment.
“This is a great program we’d love for it to continue as many years as we can get it going out there for youth,” said Grunell.
The Great Camp is one of multiple programs and activities offered in the city for free. You can check more of IMPD’s programs website.
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