Bloomington residents continue dealing with the aftermath of a strong storm that blew down hundreds of trees and power lines Tuesday afternoon.
Here are some updates and new information provided from state and local agencies on the frontline of clean-up and recovery efforts.
Outages: Power coming back on in Monroe County
As of 1 p.m. Thursday, about 16,000 Monroe County residents were still experiencing power outages.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department reports all downed powerlines have been neutralized, although residents should always avoid contact with downed lines.
Emergency food distribution, SNAP benefits, water
- Hoosier Hills Food Bank is hosting a free emergency food distribution Friday, June 28 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the food bank, 2333 W. Industrial Park Drive. Perishable and non-perishable goods will be available. Organizers ask that people do not come early; arriving later in the day is preferred. There is a limit of two households per vehicle. Delivery is not available Anyone who wants to make a donation to help cover the costs of the emergency food program can go to: hhfoodbank.org or send a contribution to the nonprofit at P.O. Box 697, Bloomington, 47402.
- Residents who receive SNAP benefits may be eligible replace lost food by contacting the Monroe County Division of Family Resources, located at 1531 S. Curry Pike, Suite 300, or call 800-403-0864 or go to this website: fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/.
- Bottled water distribution will Thursday and Friday at Sherwood Oaks Church, 2700 E. Rogers Road. Residents in need can drive in and pick up a maximum of two cases of water. Hours are 3-8 p.m. Thursday and 2-8 p.m. Friday.
NWS confirms straight-line winds caused damage
The National Weather Service confirmed it was 65-to-75-mph straight line winds that damaged homes and property in Monroe, Owen, Vigo and Clay counties. All four counties have declared, or plan to declare, local disasters due to the storm. Residents of those counties with storm damage should report it by calling 211 or going to this website: https://in211.org.
Damage reports hit 100 as of Thursday
Emergency management officials received no reports of significant injuries sustained from the storm. More than 100 property damage reports from Monroe County had been collected by Indiana 211 as of Thursday afternoon. Most reports involve trees onto homes, some with significant damage. Only a handful of residents reported their homes were uninhabitable.
Bloomington and Monroe County to offer tree debris removal
Property owners with storm-damaged trees and debris are asked to cut and and stack it near the edge of their property for free pickup. Monroe County and City of Bloomington officials are working on plans to remove the debris using city and county workers and vehicles and may hire private contractors to help. Crews will not remove home-damage debris, construction debris or damaged home goods. Stacked vegetative debris must not impede traffic on the public roadway
Cooling stations open in fire stations
Due to sustained heat, public safety personnel are overseeing cooling centers to temporarily support people impacted by the storm. Cooling stations have been established at eight fire stations in Bloomington, Ellettsville and Unionville.
Salvation Army emergency shelter closed
The local Salvation Army reported just two residents stayed at the emergency overnight shelter established at the location on Rogers Street and it has been closed. Residents with housing needs should contact Vinal Lee with the Salvation Army at 765-227-6909. This assistance is only available to residents with homes impacted by the storm.
Help the animals at Bloomington shelter
The city’s animal shelter remained without electric power Thursday afternoon, which means staff can’t run the washers and dryers. Bloomington Animal Care and Control issued a plea. “We urgently need bedding for our animals, as we have no way to operate our laundry machines without power,” a Facebook post reads. “We could really use towels, blankets, comforters, dog beds, etc. Donations can dropped off at 3410 S. Walnut St. We are so grateful for any support.”
Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.
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