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National Weather Service: Tornado hit Ripley, Dearborn counties

Posted at 4:53 PM, Oct 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-11 19:23:14-04

SUNMAN, Ind. -- A tornado struck near Sunman in Ripley and Dearborn counties Saturday, the National Weather Service confirmed Wednesday.

A storm survey found evidence of a touchdown track at the westernmost end of Industrial Drive near Sunman. The damage included snapped trees with 4-5" diameter, damaged barn doors and a trailer pushed off its foundation. 

The most significant damage was found at a barn on Kruse Lane in Dearborn County. The barn had part of its roof removed and several walls damaged. A resident told NWS investigators parts of the metal roofing were 3/4 mile away and insulation 4 miles away.

A tractor-trailer was also damaged on Meridian Street, about a half-mile south of Sunman, according to the NWS.

Officials believe the tornado crossed the county line near North Dearborn Road. 

The last visible damage, where NWS officials believe was the end of the tornado's path, was about 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Fackler and North Dearborn roads. Trees with 4-6" diameter limbs were down there.

Officials said anyone with structural damage should report it as soon as possible. The number for Dearborn County Emergency Management is 812-537-3971.