Monroe County, Indiana – Recovery efforts are still underway in Monroe County after a tornado tore through the western part of the county on the evening of Feb. 19. Local emergency officials say they are continuing to assist residents as new details emerge about the strength and path of the storm.
According to a preliminary report from the National Weather Service, the tornado has been rated an EF-2. Wind speeds reached an estimated 120 miles per hour at their peak. The storm carved a path roughly 3.7 miles long, leaving pockets of damage in several areas.
The tornado struck the Monroe County Airport and moved along Kirby Road before pushing into neighborhoods in the Fieldstone and Highland Village areas. It also damaged commercial buildings along Liberty Drive and a bank located at Third Street and Indiana State Road 48. Officials believe the tornado weakened and likely dissipated near Interstate 69.
In the days following the storm, the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency has focused on helping residents clear debris and begin repairs. To support cleanup efforts, the county has made temporary dumpsters available at no cost. A new debris disposal site has opened at Bedrock Road and Bosell Court near Tensleep Road. Another site remains available at 5332 W. Stonewood Drive.
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The dumpsters will be accessible through Friday, March 6. Each location includes two containers — one designated for wood and vegetation, the other for household debris. County officials are asking residents to carefully follow posted signs to ensure materials are placed in the correct dumpster.
At the same time, Monroe County and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security continue to collect structural damage reports from homeowners and businesses. Submitting a report helps officials assess the overall impact of the storm and determine whether additional assistance may be available.
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Residents can file damage reports online through Indiana 211 by visiting in211.org and selecting “Damage Reporting.” Those without internet access can call 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966 to provide information.
While cleanup will take time, county officials say these coordinated efforts are meant to ease the burden on affected neighborhoods and move the community steadily toward recovery.
