TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Residents in Northern Vigo County are dealing with fallen limbs, flooding, and power outages as thunderstorms ripped across West Central Indiana Wednesday afternoon.
Alexander Rivera, who lives in Terre Town, stepped outside and witnessed his property being damaged.
“This tree actually fully uprooted and fell down”, Rivera said. “Then there was a green trash can that flew and almost knocked me over. My trashcans were already down at the time. I actually almost thought that my blue windmills were going to fall and go right into my house and shatter the window.”
Nearby, tree limbs and light poles fell at Cross Tabernacle Church.
Pastor Kris Taylor said he witnessed the damage from inside.
“I heard the lightning crack and then the power went out”, Taylor said. “I went out and checked and heard a large crash in the back. I saw one of the tree limbs had come down on one of the roofs of the building in the back of the church. You couldn’t see a whole lot out of the doors because the rain was so hard, but you could hear a lot.”
Multiple residents from Northern Vigo County said they can’t remember a storm causing this much damage.
Wednesday evening, Duke Energy is reporting over 4,000 customers are still without power.
Terre Haute’s Director of Public Works, Jesse Tohill, advises residents to stay away from power lines until Duke Energy can handle it.
“I’ve received several reports from individuals that the lines in front of their house are ok, but the actual service line connecting to their house has either received some sort of damage or they aren’t really sure”, Tohill said. “I would advise you to call Duke Energy directly and ask them what to do about your situation specifically.”
Wednesday evening, Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer there are at least a dozen county roads that are closed off from transportation from fallen limbs.
