INDIANAPOLIS — Randolph County officials have again extended a travel warning in effect for Winchester and surrounding areas.
A red travel warning will be issued Sunday as local residents and cleanup crews continue to remove debris left by an EF-3 tornado that struck the area Thursday, according to a Randolph County Sheriff's Office Facebook post. It is said to last until noon.
From midday on Sunday, the travel alert will change to yellow status. Yellow is the lowest level in the travel advisory system, according to the RCSD.
Tornado cleanup efforts are underway in Selma. According to the Town of Selma's Facebook page, officials do not believe additional donations are needed at this time to help area residents complete recovery efforts.
Randolph Central School will be closed on Monday, according to a Facebook post from the Randolph County Schools Corporation. Schools are scheduled to hold classes on Tuesday.
Town officials also indicated that the crew will take Sunday off to rest. Efforts will resume Monday, with the Delaware County Highway Department and Muncie sanitation teams expected to help pick up and dispose of the large pile of debris.
The Town of Selma is also asking residents with debris left behind to contact local authorities for assistance in removing the debris. Officials reported that they would make further announcements about the need for civilian volunteers at a later date.
The Delaware County Emergency Management Agency also announced that the Selma American Legion has volunteered to serve as a lost and found location. Officials encourage anyone looking for personal items or who finds items of value to contact the American Legion.
County officials also set up trash cans on Jackson Street in Selma for residents to drop off their trash.
The Delaware County EMA is also reminding local residents that tree limbs and limbs should be placed next to roads for collection by the Highway Department.
Crews are still working to restore power to all customers, according to a press release from Indiana-Michigan Power. As of 5:30 p.m., I&M had restored power to 90% of its customers in east-central Indiana.
I&M reported accessing the previously sealed area on Saturday and finding more damage. So far, he said, I&M has encountered 130 of his utility poles snapped, dozens of pole cross arms damaged, and more than 150 wires down.
I&M says customers in undamaged buildings should have power by 10 p.m. Saturday.
I&M encourages the community to do the following as power continues to be restored:
- Be careful of surrounding workers
- Avoid touching downed electrical wires
- Refrain from removing tree branches and debris if within 10 feet of power lines.
- Prevent water from accumulating near power lines or appliances
- Avoid using electronic devices that have been submerged in water
- Be careful near debris or fences as they may hide downed power lines.
- Please note that traffic lights may not function.
