Tornado damage on That Road, close to south Kroger location in Clear Creek.
(George Hale / WTIU News)
Around 75 homes in the Clear Creek area south of Bloomington sustained damage in Friday night’s severe storms throughout the Midwest.
The Clear Creek post office was leveled, and the Ranchero Motel and an apartment complex were also damaged in that area, according to a Monroe County Sheriff’s press release.
There were no fatalities in Bloomington, but a 96-year-old man was taken to IU Health Hospital with a non-life-threatening head injury. Five others suffered storm-related, non-severe injuries, according the release.
“Severe storms swept through our area last night, leaving damage across parts of Bloomington and Monroe County,” Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson said in a press release. “While the full extent is still unfolding, what’s already clear is the incredible response from those who step up when things get hard.”
— Mycah Grandstaff (@MycahGrandstaff) May 17, 2025
Thomson thanked the first responders and Red Cross in a press release this morning. She also urged community members to help each other.
“Being a good neighbor right now doesn’t require a uniform or a title. It might look like checking on someone next door, sharing a meal, or simply showing patience in a shaken community,” she wrote. “Look for the helpers—and thank them. And if you’re able, be the helper. That’s who we are in Bloomington.”
Damage to the barn at People and Animal Learning Services west of Bloomington from Friday night's storms. (Courtesy PALS)
County officials also responded to severe damage along State Road 45 west of Bloomington. They reported numerous trees and power lines down and property damage.
That included the People and Animal Learning Services (PALS) barn and pasture on West Elwren Road.
According to a Facebook post from the PALS Board of Directors, they have suspended services for next week.
“PALS is grateful to report that our wonderful staff and horses are safe in the wake of a violent storm that caused significant property damage to our barn and pastures,” the post read.
Duke Energy said its crews worked through the night to restore power to customers. As of 8 a.m. this morning, fewer than 1,000 customers were still without power. Duke said at least 25 poles were broken and needed replaced.
Tornado damage is seen in Brown County from Friday night's storm. (Courtesy Rep. Dave Hall)
Brown County State Park closed
Brown County State Park, the Horsemen's Campground and all horse trails are closed for an undetermined amount of time after sustaining damage in the storm, according to the park’s website.
Rep. Dave Hall (R-Nashville) posted on Facebook that he had spent time Friday night with Brown County Sheriff Brad Stogsdill surveying the damage.
“The Horseman Camp at Brown County State Park was also hit extremely hard with damage to campers, vehicles, and hundreds of downed trees. Sadly, there were a handful of injuries reported to people, horses, and pets,” he said in a post.
Tracking the storm
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis said it began tracking a super cell storm in Illinois around 5 p.m.
Meteorologist Matthew Eckhoff said the storm produced tornados near Linton in Greene County around 6:45 p.m., before crossing into Monroe County. The tornado first touched down southwest of Bloomington at 7:27 p.m., then continued on through the Clear Creek area. The storm then tracked east, hitting the Nashville area and Brown County State Park.
Eckhoff said the weather service should know the magnitude of the tornados by the end of the day.
“They're still out there touring the damage area and seeing what kind of damage occurred,” Eckhoff said. “Tornadoes can only be rated based on the damage they caused. So, they're going to look at basically everything that was hit, one structure at a time, and see what they can find.”
Where to get help
The Monroe County Emergency Shelter and the American Red Cross are assisting residents impacted by the storm. The shelter is open at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, located on 2700 E Rogers Road in Bloomington. The shelter requests people enter through door #4.
The shelter is offering overnight stay, food, showers, outlets to charge devices. There is an on-site nurse and mental health counselor. You do not need to stay overnight to access these resources.
