Friday storms damage garage, topple trees

RUSSELLVILLE -- Thunderstorms that rolled across northern Putnam County Friday night left a path of damage from Russellville to points east.

A tornado warning was issued for northern Putnam County just before 9 p.m. following reports of a possible funnel cloud near S.R. 59 at Bellmore. As the storm moved eastward through northern Parke County, it continued to produce a possible funnel cloud 5 miles north of Raccoon Lake.

Shortly after 9 p.m., police radio indicated a possible tornado touchdown on U.S. 36 approximately 5 miles west of U.S. 231.

As of press time Friday night, damage reports continued to come in from the Russellville area.

Putnam County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Biggs surveyed the town and said he saw a large tree blocking Harrison Street. He estimated the tree to be about 18 inches in diameter.

Biggs also said there were other small trees down in Russellville. There also appears to have been damage outside of Russellville.

Police radio indicated at around 9:30 that a woman living on CR 900 West near Russellville called 911 and said the storm ripped the roof off her garage.

Other reports include:

* Bainbridge Fire and Police officials reported seeing a funnel cloud 4 miles north of the Bainbridge Fire Station at 9:24 p.m.

* A tornado warning was issued for northeast Putnam County at 9:30 p.m. The storm was predicted to move from Putnam County and into Hendricks County to North Salem, Jamestown and then Pittsboro.

* Shortly after 11 p.m., law enforcement discovered a power pole snapped in half on CR 725 West near Russellville. Wires hanging down forced officers to close the road.

* At 11:20 p.m., firefighters were called to Roachdale for a fire in a tree, caused by power lines.

* At 11:30 p.m., law enforcement reported a power line and pole completely blocking S.R. 236 at around CR?525 West.

* Power was out in many locations.