It was déjà vu for many Bloomington and Monroe County residents this week when their power went out for several days after an afternoon storm.
Just before many people headed to work in the evening, trees and power poles were downed across the city, causing traffic jams and safety concerns. Residents scrambled to find food, gas and ice, while many stores and restaurants were closed as crews worked to assess the damage. Another similar storm in 2023, around the same time, also caused widespread outages for Duke Energy customers.
Below you can read reporting from our partners at the Bloomington Herald-Times.
Tuesday, June 25: Supercell storm hits Bloomington
A storm broke out late Tuesday afternoon, causing power outages. A Duke Energy spokesperson urged residents to stay home, but the storm hit just before rush hour. Falling debris and downed power lines made it a dangerous ride.
▶ ‘Supercell storm’ knocks out power to tens of thousands of people in southern Indiana
▶ No serious injuries reported in Bloomington storm that left thousands without power
▶ Bloomington Salvation Army shelter provides food, water, cots and air conditioning
Storm damage prompts Monroe County’s disaster declaration
According to a district commissioner, the province has issued a disaster declaration due to “excessive rainfall, wind damage, fallen power lines and trees, damage to public buildings and safety of life issues.”
Under state law, local officials can issue such a declaration “to activate the response and recovery aspects of any applicable local or interjurisdictional disaster contingency plans.” The declaration also authorizes “the provision of aid and assistance under the plans.”
▶ What You Need to Know About Monroe County’s Disaster Declaration
‘It was kind of apocalyptic’: residents talk about powerful storm
While the sudden storm came as a surprise to many, some people saw the dark storm clouds rolling in and were concerned, including a lifeguard at a city pool. Here’s what Bloomington residents and visitors had to say about what happened Tuesday.
▶ Bloomington residents recount Tuesday’s powerful storm as city recovers
Power restoration is beginning for some Duke Energy customers
By Thursday, more than half of affected customers had their power restored, but thousands were still without power. A Duke Energy spokesperson warned that some homes suffered so much damage that owners may have to call in an electrician to restore service.
▶ Thousands of people still without power, 2 days after the storm
NWS says the storm had “hurricane force” winds
Meteorologist Andrew White of the National Weather Service told The Herald-Times that winds peaked at 78 mph. Winds over 75 mph are classified as “hurricane force,” capable of knocking moving vehicles off highways, toppling mobile homes and blowing off roofs.
▶ What caused 78 mph winds in Bloomington?
Recreation areas closed due to storm damage
Downed trees and power lines at Lake Monroe could disrupt some people’s plans for the Fourth of July next week. As of Friday, the Paynetown and Fairfax Recreation Areas at Lake Monroe were closed with limited access.
▶ Recreation areas and trails at Lake Monroe closed
Storm in the summer of 2023 causes power outages
In 2023, Duke Energy customers in Bloomington had a similar experience, but with a different type of storm. On June 29, a derecho hit the area, causing thousands to lose power for days. Read more about that storm below.
▶ Storm leaves thousands of people without power
▶ Monroe County’s response to derecho criticized
What to do with your food if you have no power?
The massive power outage not only meant that supermarkets and restaurants were closed, but also that residents had to try to salvage what they could from their last trip to the store. Here is the Herald-Times guide to food safety during a power outage.
▶ Fridge and Freezer without Power? Your Food-Related Questions Answered
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Bloomington Weather: Here’s What Happened With the Supercell Storm
