The Latest: Indiana town hit by storms, possible tornados
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — The Latest on Ohio tornado (all times local):
1:45 a.m.
An Indiana town was heavily damaged by storms, including reports of two tornados.
WRTV-TV reports that Madison County Emergency Management spokesman Todd Harmeson said Tuesday morning that, "We do not know at this time if this was a tornado, straight-line winds or what the cause was" of damage in Pendleton. He says there are several videos floating around that show funnel clouds but that the National Weather Service will make that determination.
Harmeson says residents should stay indoors due to energized downed powerlines on the ground. "We just believe at this time it is not safe," he said. He says an estimated 4,000 people are without power.
Pendleton residents being evacuated can go to the Pendleton High School cafeteria for shelter.
Pendleton is 35 miles (56 kilometers) northeast of Indianapolis.
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12:23 a.m.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is using snow plows to remove debris off an Ohio highway after a "large and dangerous" tornado hit the area late Sunday.
Transportation spokesman Matt Bruning said its crews are using several plows to scrape debris off to the side of southbound Interstate 75, trying to get the highway reopened as soon as possible. "We'll do a more thorough cleaning after we get lanes opened," he told the Associated Press via text early Monday. He said tow trucks eventually will have to deal with damaged vehicles along the roadway, too. He said other crews are also clearing debris northwest of Dayton in Mercer and Darke counties. Trying to clear the debris in the middle of the night is a difficult task, complicated by darkness and downed power lines, Bruning said.
The National Weather Service confirmed Sunday night that a "large and dangerous tornado" hit...