Severe Storms Ravage Northern Indiana
Published: Friday, April 7, 2023
At least 17 tornadoes swept through Indiana last Friday evening according to a report from the Salvation Army Indiana Division. Area tornadoes reported include two in Allen County, one in Cass County (Ind.) and one in Lake County.
In New Haven, an EF-2 tornado touched down at approximately 11:36 p.m.
"The tornado developed over the northeast side of Fort Wayne near the intersection of Maysville Rd. and Cardinal Lane," according to the National Weather Service (NWS). "It quickly raced northeast toward the town of Harlan. Many homes and farms had minor to major damage. Extensive tree damage and powerline damage occurred especially along and south of IN-37 where the most significant damaged was observed, especially along Notestine Rd."
The twister traveled 7.86 miles before dissipating at 11:43 p.m. Its estimated peak windspeed was 120 mph and it was measured at approximately 400 yards wide.
An EF-0 was reported in Harlan. The tornado was 75 yards wide with winds peaking at 75 mph. It traveled 1.14 miles in one minute between 11:44 and 11:45 p.m.
According to the NWS report, "the tornado formed just south of Antwerp Rd. between Bull Rapids and Rupert Roads. The tornado continued northeast. Debris was observed in adjacent fields north of Antwerp Rd. and the survey team also observed some trees snapped in the distance out in the middle of the field. Minor damage was observed to buildings along Antwerp and Dean roads. Trees in the vicinity were snapped and uprooted. There was also damage to a home on Rupert Rd. near Dean Rd., including roof and siding damage. The tornado dissipated in a field south of Dean Rd."
In Cass County (Ind.), a tornado touched down in the Royal Center area, reaching peak winds of 100 mph. The 300-yards-wide EF-1 traveled 1.73 miles. It touched down in a field south of West C.R. 400 North, between North C.R. 1000 West and 925 West.
"It quickly tracked northeast, flipping eight spans of a center pivot irrigation system once. It also destroyed two large pole barns at a residence near 400 North and 925 West. Several trees were snapped and corn fodder from the field was pulled into the yard and extended northeast from there. The back garage portion of a home was damaged," reported the NWS.
"Power poles were also snapped in the area. The tornado made a turn to the right some and began to weaken, striking a home at the intersection of West C.R. 400 North and North C.R. 900 North where the roof on the southwest side of the home was lifted, several smaller trees were also uprooted and a fuel tank was rolled into the field to the northeast," the report continued. "Debris was carried for a few more miles to the northeast. The track of the tornado may have continued further northeast but it weakened significantly after the noted damage areas."
An EF-1 was confirmed in Merrillville and the Salvation Army is on scene to give aid. According to the NWS, the twister touched down in Merrillville and traveled toward Hobart; however, NWS Chicago is investigating many possible tornadoes, so, no details were available at press time.
Significant wind damage was also reported. In northern Indiana, peak winds reached 68 mph at the Fort Wayne International Airport and in and around Kendallville, however, according to Nathan Marsili, a meteorologist with NWS Northern Indiana, winds in New Paris and other small towns had the potential to reach speeds over 80 mph.
Winds ranged from 37-68 mph in several counties, including Allen, Cass, DeKalb, Elkhart, Fulton, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Miami, Noble, St. Joseph (Ind.), Starke, Steuben and Whitley.
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