Elkhart County declares state of emergency following EF1 tornado

ELKHART, Ind. -- Elkhart County is now in a state of emergency following an EF1 tornado that touched down on parts of the city’s south side overnight Monday.

“Looks like Warzone … that’s the easiest way to put it,” said Steven Wright an Elkhart resident who lives within the tornadoes slum path of destruction.

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down around 12:20 with sirens first going off at 11:40 and then again at 12:10 to warn those in the area.

Daylight revealed the extensive damage on the city’s Southside between Hively and Lisher Avenues.

Winds strong enough to rip many trees out of the ground and send a trampoline airborne.

“Sounds like a straight freight train was like right beside the house. It was loud and it’s a sound that you would never forget,” said Jason Skinner, recalling the moments the tornado passed through the neighborhood.

By declaring a state of emergency, the county makes itself eligible for a number of resources as local officials and outside agencies come together to assess the damage and crews work to restore power to the thousands left without power.

95% of power is expected to return across the county by 6pm Wednesday.

“But Elkhart has not seen it tornado in decades, and quite frankly the last one we remember was pretty devastating to our community. We were very fortunate that we have yet to have a report of a loss of life and injuries and relationship to this particular tornado so that’s a blessing,” said Mayor Rod Roberson.

While no injuries have been reported, damage tells the story of a number of close calls

“A young teen wasn’t sleeping in his bed. He was sleeping on the couch and the tree that went through his home went through his bed. Had he been in his bed? We wouldn’t have been talking about no injuries,” added Roberson.

Neighbors are coming together to help one another along with the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Indiana 211 is asking Elkhart County residents to submit damage reports for Monday's severe storms that tore through the area.

While the traditional 211 service is a free, confidential service that helps Hoosiers locate and access the resources they need, for damage reports, residents are asked to help establish a comprehensive assessment of damage by calling 866-211-9966 or visiting the Indiana 211 website.

Damage can also be reported to 311.