Wednesday, August 24, 2016

State Of Emergency Declared After 'Large and Extremely Dangerous' Tornado Tears Through Kokomo, Indiana

Pam Wright and Sean Breslin
Published: August 24,2016
A state of emergency has been declared in Howard County, Indiana, after a huge, damaging tornado hit the town of Kokomo Wednesday afternoon, flattening a Starbucks and causing significant damage to dozens of homes and businesses.
The tornado, which touched down around 3:24 p.m., was located over Kokomo, moving east at 30 mph, according to the National Weather Service. As it was in progress, a tornado emergency was declared for the twister that was described as "large and extremely dangerous" by the NWS.
Authorities have closed all streets in the city and county to everyone except emergency crews until 9 p.m. local time.
So far, only minor injuries have been reported.
(MORE: Where Severe Weather Could Hit Next)
Cara Ball @CaraKTVideo
Damage of cars and houses in area of Dodge & Elizabeth St. Several power lines and trees down. @KokomoTribune
· Kokomo, IN, United States

Scott Swan @ScottWTHR
Staggering storm damage in Kokomo.

"It's crazy. It's a madhouse," Mitchell Carlson, a maintenance technician at the Park Place Apartments in Kokomo, told the Associated Press. The 16-building complex had major roof damage on at least eight of the structures, he also said.
A Starbucks coffee shop at the Markland Mall that appears to have been flattened by the tornado. Dozens of homes have also been damaged.
WTHR-TV interviewed a witness who said he was in a nearby restaurant and witnessed the destruction of the Starbucks. He told the reporter that people were trapped but uninjured after it collapsed.
"It was hellish," he said of the experience.
Kayla Sullivan @KaylaReporting
Markland Mall Starbucks in Kokomo. Manager says everyone got out OK. They were in the bathroom during the tornado
· Kokomo, IN, United States

The Markland Mall received "significant damage" and roofs were blown off nearby homes, according to the National Weather Service.
Multiple tornadoes were reported across central Indiana throughout the afternoon.
In Dillman, grain wagons were reportedly lifted 500 feet into the air, landing in a field.
This is a developing story; please check back frequently for updates.
MORE: Kokomo, Indiana Tornado, August 24, 2016
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