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Storms with winds reaching 70 mph tore through Monroe County and surrounding areas Tuesday evening, leaving approximately 42,000 homes without power. 

Monroe County Commissioners declared a local disaster emergency that night. 

By Wednesday, Indiana 211 received 36 damage reports for Monroe County.

Crews have been working to repair power lines and remove trees from roads. According to Duke Energy’s map Thursday morning, the number of homes without power in Monroe County is closer to 16,000.

The Salvation Army set up a temporary shelter at its 111 N. Rogers St. Bloomington facility where people can come for shelter, meals, and restroom facilities.

Eight stations in Monroe County have set up cooling stations, open from 8 am to 10 pm through June 29.

Read more: While crews fix electrical outages, residents are left to pick up the pieces

This week on Noon Edition, we’ll talk with guests about the storm, community response, and resources available to those affected.

You can follow us on X  @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to  news@indianapublicmedia.org.

You can also record your questions and send them in through email.

Guests

Mary Moran, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness 

Captain Vinal Lee, Salvation Army Bloomington Pastor and Director

Matthew Eckhoff, The National Weather Service Indianapolis Meteorologist

Doug Childs, The Utilities District of Western Indiana CEO

Aubrey Seader, City of Bloomington Office Manager and Program Assistant for Community and Family Resources

Show notes: 

The City of Bloomington has a storm resources web page linked here.

You can search for free and reduced cost resources at HelpingBloomingtonMonroe.