THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus police and the Bartholomew County Sheriff Department are getting reports of trees down and at least one tree down on a house in Columbus as high winds and heavy rain inundate the area.
In the Everroad Park East neighborhood, strong wind gusts blew over a pine tree onto the home of Rob and Barbie Thompson, 3129 32nd St. After landing on the edge of the garage shortly after 8 a.m., the tree snapped, with the upper section falling on top of the one-story ranch home. Rob Thompson said it appears damage is minimal and the home is insured.
A wind advisory is in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
South winds from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected.
Columbus Police Department spokesman Lt. Matt Harris said CPD is receiving reports of trees down in the Tipton Lakes area around Goeller Road. Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies are also seeing trees down along with power lines on some county roads.
Bartholomew County Emergency Management said weather conditions will continue to be challenging through the weekend as the second weather system of the week is here and will continue through Sunday.
Rain will move west to east through Saturday morning, with Bartholomew County seeing about 1 inch to 1.5 inches today, with western Bartholomew County receiving possibly up to 2 inches.
The heaviest rainfall will occur during the morning into the early afternoon on Friday. Snow accumulation of 1 inch or less is possible in Bartholomew County.
Colder air will arrive for the weekend, with highs in the teens. Lows Sunday and Monday nights could be below 0 degrees with wind chills down to -20 degrees possible.
WARMING CENTERS: Brighter Days will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. The Community Engagement Center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The center will be open Saturday and Sunday so that their hours line up with Brighter Days. ColumBUS is making a trip each day (starting Saturday) at 7:45 a.m. from Brighter Days to the Community Center so that clients will not have to walk.
