UPDATE: The National Weather Service of Lousiville upgraded the tornado that hit Jeffersonville on Tuesday to an EF-2, with maximum gusts of 120 mph.
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Parts of Jeffersonville were significantly damaged after a moderate tornado tore through the city Tuesday, the mayor’s office said in a Facebook post.
The Jeffersonville Mayor’s Office said around 11 p.m., the city is working to respond to Tuesday’s possible tornado that created significant damage to parts of the city. Right now, the city’s immediate concern is to help those impacted.
“I spent the evening visiting many who were impacted by today’s devastating storm. Thankfully there were no fatalities. But our city still felt the impact with many neighborhoods left in the storm’s wake,” said Mayor Mike Moore. “I am so proud of our city employees and first responders who stepped up to help in so many ways. As we move forward, I have directed that all city resources be available for those in need of help. We’ve already started to clean up many areas. That will be our priority over the next few days.”
The National Weather Service of Louisville confirmed on X Wednesday that Jeffersonville was hit by an EF-1 tornado, with maximum gusts of 100 mph.
The weather service believes it’s likely the same tornado that hit the town of Prospect in Kentucky. NWS has not confirmed whether there’s a break in the damage path.
On Wednesday, the NWS will have survey teams across southern Indiana and northern Kentucky to determine how many tornados touched down.
Damage from the storm will be assessed over the next several days. Neighborhoods in the city that were most impacted were Brookhollow, Boulder Creek, Quarry Bluff, and Steeplechase, according to the Facebook post.
Residents were encouraged to contact the street department at 812-285-6455 for assistance clearing limbs and debris. With help from the American Red Cross, a family displacement resource center has been established at Jefferson Fire Department # 4, 5311 E. 10th St.
‘Our officers and other personnel are conducting thorough assessments to gauge the safety of the affected area. We want to ensure a secure environment for media personnel, so please avoid staging in the affected areas until we are able to determine those areas as secure,” said the Jeffersonville Police Department.
Pictures of possible tornado damage in Jeffersonville (Provided Photo/Jeffersonville Mayor’s Office)
NEWS RELEASE
“RESPONSE AND MITIGATION EFFORTS IN THE WAKE OF THE STORMS
“JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA 04/03/2024:
“Yesterday afternoon, Jeffersonville was struck with severe weather and a tornado which resulted in significant damage. The city of Jeffersonville immediately responded and will continue to respond to the aftermath left by the storm. Local, state, and federal resources have been mobilized and will continue to deploy throughout the day working with emergency management.
Multiple response teams have been activated to assess damage through the Office of Clark County Emergency Management to distribute essential resources, conduct debris removal, and ensure the security and safety of affected residents. These teams actively working together will ensure the needs of our community are met.
“Residents in need of assistance are urged to contact the Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767). Additionally, individuals and families are directed to report any damages to the Indiana 211 authority at 1-866-211-9966.
“Initial assessments indicate significant damage, with reports of 122 structures impacted; 8 destroyed, 9 sustained major damage, 23 sustained minor damage, and 82 were affected. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado with 100 MPH winds. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, with only 6 minor injuries and 3 houses currently without power.
“To expedite the debris removal process, residents are requested to collect any debris and place it directly next to the roadway, while ensuring it does not obstruct traffic. Please separate debris into piles for efficient removal.
“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated efforts of the Jeffersonville Street Department, who have been tirelessly working since the onset of the storm to manage debris removal. Their ongoing efforts are invaluable to the recovery of our community.
“Several waste collection dumpsters will be placed in affected areas to provide an additional option for debris disposal. Attached to this press release is a guideline to assist residents in the placement of debris for disposal pickup.
“The Jeffersonville Police Department is grateful for the resiliency in our community, and we extend our sympathies to those who were impacted. We will continue to aid as much as possible to ensure our community will overcome this adversity.”
Jeffersonville Police Department detective division news release issued April 3, 2024
