Tornado damage on That Road, close to south Kroger location in Clear Creek. (George Hale / WTIU News)
Around 75 homes in the Clear Creek area south of Bloomington sustained damage in Friday night’s severe storms throughout the Midwest.
The Clear Creek post office was leveled, and the Ranchero Motel and an apartment complex were also damaged in that area, according to a Monroe County Sheriff’s press release.
The storms have killed least 27 people including 18 in Kentucky, where another 10 were hospitalized in critical condition, according to reports.
There were no fatalities in Bloomington, but a 96-year-old man was taken to IU Health Hospital with a non-life-threatening head injury. Five others suffered storm-related, non-severe injuries, according the release.
“Severe storms swept through our area last night, leaving damage across parts of Bloomington and Monroe County,” Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson said in a press release. “While the full extent is still unfolding, what’s already clear is the incredible response from those who step up when things get hard.”
Read more: Damage reports coming in after widespread severe weather
Bloomington, Indiana tornado damage near Clear Creek @ryanhallyall pic.twitter.com/XsUrsV2IKV
— Mycah Grandstaff (@MycahGrandstaff) May 17, 2025
Thomson thanked the first responders and Red Cross in a press release this morning. She also urged community members to help each other.
“Being a good neighbor right now doesn’t require a uniform or a title. It might look like checking on someone next door, sharing a meal, or simply showing patience in a shaken community,” she wrote. “Look for the helpers—and thank them. And if you’re able, be the helper. That’s who we are in Bloomington.”
County officials also responded to severe damage along State Road 45 west of Bloomington. They reported numerous trees and power lines down and property damage.
That included the People and Animal Learning Services (PALS) barn and pasture on West Elwren Road.
According to a Facebook post from the PALS Board of Directors, they have suspended services for next week.
“PALS is grateful to report that our wonderful staff and horses are safe in the wake of a violent storm that caused significant property damage to our barn and pastures,” the post read.
Duke Energy said its crews worked through the night to restore power to customers. As of 8 a.m. this morning, fewer than 1,000 customers were still without power. Duke said at least 25 poles were broken and needed replaced.
Brown County State Park Horsemen's Campground closed
The Horsemen's Campground at Brown County State Park and all horse trails are closed for an undetermined amount of time after sustaining damage in the storm, according to the park’s website. The rest of the park is open.
Officials there told WFIU/WTIU News that the storm killed one horse and injured another. Three campers also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Carl Lindell, regional manager for the Department of Natural Resources, said that workers were able to clear enough debris to remove most of the horse trailers.
On Saturday afternoon, an RV was turned on its side, and dozens of trees appeared to be downed throughout the campsite. Falling trees also damaged buildings.
Rep. Dave Hall (R-Nashville) posted on Facebook that he had spent time Friday night with Brown County Sheriff Brad Stogsdill surveying the damage.
“The Horseman Camp at Brown County State Park was also hit extremely hard with damage to campers, vehicles, and hundreds of downed trees. Sadly, there were a handful of injuries reported to people, horses, and pets,” he said in a post.
Tracking the storm
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis said it began tracking a super cell storm in Illinois around 5 p.m.
Meteorologist Matthew Eckhoff said the storm produced tornados near Linton in Greene County around 6:45 p.m., before crossing into Monroe County. The tornado first touched down southwest of Bloomington at 7:27 p.m., then continued on through the Clear Creek area. The storm then tracked east, hitting the Nashville area and Brown County State Park.
Eckhoff said the weather service should know the magnitude of the tornados by the end of the day.
“They're still out there touring the damage area and seeing what kind of damage occurred,” Eckhoff said. “Tornadoes can only be rated based on the damage they caused. So, they're going to look at basically everything that was hit, one structure at a time, and see what they can find.”
Where to get help
The Monroe County Emergency Shelter and the American Red Cross are assisting residents impacted by the storm. The shelter is open at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, located on 2700 E Rogers Road in Bloomington. The shelter requests people enter through door #4.
The shelter is offering overnight stay, food, showers, outlets to charge devices. There is an on-site nurse and mental health counselor. You do not need to stay overnight to access these resources.
Report damage by calling 211 or visit in211.org.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warns against scammers exploiting severe weather
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers to stay vigilant against scammers exploiting the chaos of the severe weather damage.
In a press release, Rokita said “Scammers will use any situation, especially severe weather, to prey on those in need.These criminals are cunning, cruel, and relentless, so we want to ensure that no one falls victim to their fraudulent schemes while dealing with damage caused by the storm.”
Scammers often target storm victions by posing as charities soliciting donations for disaster relief, contractors offering repairs or government or insurance representatives to steal personal information.
Rokita advises Hoosiers to take the following precautions to avoid scams:
Be skeptical of anyone offering immediate cleanup or repair services without proper vetting.
Know the facts: FEMA does not charge application fees. If someone demands payment to help you access FEMA funds, it’s likely a scam.
Research contractors: Check reputations through references, online reviews, or the Better Business Bureau before hiring.
Verify credentials: Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof that the contractor is bonded and insured.
Get multiple estimates: Compare offers to ensure fair pricing and scope of work.
Insist on written agreements: Don’t trust verbal promises. Get everything in writing.
Avoid risky payments: Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash, and never pay the full amount upfront.
Rokita encourages those who suspect a scam to file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call his office at 1-800-382-5516.
Ethan Sandweiss, Isabella Vesperini and Joanie Dugan contributed reporting.
