Editor’s note: ISP originally said that three people had died in Randolph County. They have since clarified that no deaths have been confirmed as rescue teams continue surveying the extent of damage and search for any missing persons.

RANDOLPH COUNTY, Ind. — A tornado touched down in Randolph and Delaware counties Thursday night impacting the east-central Indiana communities of Selma and Winchester, according to Indiana State Police.

Tornadoes arrived in the area from two storm fronts that moved west through the state, leaving behind damaged homes and businesses and thousands of residents without any power in both counties.

ISP Superintendent Doug Carter said around 12:15 a.m. Friday during a press conference that authorities are still working to confirm if the severe weather led to any deaths, walking back on previous reports from ISP that confirmed that there were three reported fatalities due to the tornado.

Carter said residents could still be trapped inside buildings and that the Indiana Task Force 1 would assist in the search and rescue process in both counties. The ISP superintendent said more information on any potential fatalities would likely be available by early Friday morning.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said a nursing home in Winchester was evacuated and that multiple businesses in the city had sustained “serious” damage. No specific information was provided.

Officials with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said the county is now under a travel warning – the highest level of local travel advisory. This means that travel is restricted to emergency management workers only.  

RCSO urged local residents to avoid traveling through Winchester due to heavy storm damage. Only emergency personnel will be permitted to travel on the roads.

During a local travel warning, individuals are to refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces who are executing emergency operations plans and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.   

Randolph County Sheriff Art Moystner told FOX59/CBS4 that he was trapped inside his home while the severe weather rolled through the area before he safely exited the residence a short time ago.

The sheriff confirmed that the tornado struck a Walmart, located at 950 East Greenville Pike, and Taco Bell, located at 951 Greenville Pike, in Winchester.

Officials with Randolph Central Schools said that their schools will be closed tomorrow because of Thursday evening’s storm. Officials said that the musical originally scheduled for Friday night will also be postponed.  

Randolph Southern School Corporation announced that classes will be closed Friday as storm cleanup continues.

“Our prayers are with each of you,” officials with the district said. “Take care of your families.” 

In a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the Indiana Task Force One has been called by the state of Indiana to assist with search efforts in Winchester.

According to its website, the task force is “highly trained” in search and rescue. The team is one of 28 Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency-sponsored Urban Search and Rescue teams in the United States.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the severe weather,” the post read.    

According to the National Weather Service, a “large and extremely dangerous” tornado was initally observed traveling west over the town of Union City, located around 11 miles northwest of Greenville and traveling at 40 mph at the time.

As of 11 p.m., Indiana Michigan Power reported that nearly 10,000 residents are currently without power east of Muncie including Winchester and Selma, Delaware County.

The power company said its teams are working with emergency personnel to turn off power in certain affected areas for the safety of the community.

“Once it’s safe to do so, a full contingent of our line workers, damage assessors, tree trimming
experts and contractors will work quickly and safely to return customers’ power,” Indiana Michigan said. “I&M urges customers to not approach our workers and give crews working in alleys and along roadways plenty of space.”

The Winchester Community High School has electricity and is open for emergency use for any local residents who need somewhere safe from the severe weather. The high school can be found at 700 N Union Street.

Officials with the Indiana State Police said in a post on social media that they are helping assist local search and rescue efforts in Winchester after Thursday evening’s tornado.

“We are requesting the public to avoid the area,” officials with the Indiana State Police said in the post. “Any civilian volunteers can go to the White River Volunteer Fire Department.”

ISP officials also said that temporary shelters have been established at Winchester Community High School and Willard Elementary.

The National Weather Service also confirmed that it will be sending out a team to Winchester and Selma to conduct surveys.

Gov. Eric Holcomb described Winchester residents as “resilient” in a statement posted on X Thursday night.

“Janet & I send our deepest condolences & prayers to the loved ones of those impacted by tonight’s storms & the Hoosiers in the path of destruction,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The people of Winchester are resilient & should know the state will walk alongside & support them as we pick up the pieces & rebuild.”

Delaware County

Delaware County was also affected by a tornado and severe thunderstorm that swept through the county. The storm system caused “significant” damage throughout the county.

According to the county EMA, up to 50% of the structures were damaged during the storms. Despite the widespread damage, Delaware County has only received reports of minor injuries so far. One individual was transported to a hospital for treatment, the EMA added.

Randy Reid, the chief with the Liberty Township Fire Department, said when the tornado warning came out, crews saw the funnel cloud. 

Crews were dispatched to Selma within minutes, Reid said, starting evacuating residents from homes and turning the gas off. Reid reported that there are a few people in their houses who were okay, but the houses are expected to be unlivable. 

Officials said the American Red Cross is on their way. Reid said that the hope is to get the impacted individuals in housing for the weekend. 

Selma Elementary is serving as the evacuation point for individuals who have damage to their homes. The school is located at 200 East St. in Selma.

For those who need help, Reid said they should call the Delaware County Dispatch at (765) 747-7878.

Liberty-Perry Community Schools, which is based in Selma, confirmed in a Facebook post that the school will be closed tomorrow due to tornado damage in the area. No eLearning will take place either.

Delaware County’s Emergency Operations Center was activated and fully staffed as they continued storm response efforts to assess the full extent of damage and injuries. Debris removal operations have continued throughout Selma.

The Delaware County EMA said a reunification center was established at Wapahani High School for any displaced residents or those who may have been separated from loved ones during the storms. The high school can be found at 10401 E. County Road167 S.

Delaware County residents whose homes were damaged during the storms can report property damage online at bit.ly/sendyourdamage.

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.