ABC News

Storms Hit Midwest Days After Ind. Tornado

Eight Days After Deadly Ind. Tornado, Severe Storms Slam Midwest; 3 States Report Funnel Clouds

By RYAN LENZ Associated Press Writer

EVANSVILLE, Ind. Nov 15, 2005 — Just eight days after a deadly tornado struck southwestern Indiana, another strong storm system rolled across the nation's midsection Tuesday, producing funnel clouds in at least three states.

The National Weather Service issued tornado watches and warnings for the Evansville area, as well as for parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois and Kentucky.

Funnel clouds were sighted in Indiana and Illinois, but it was unclear how many remained aloft or touched the ground. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries.

Andy Zirkle, a spokesman for the Indiana Emergency Management Agency, said the severe storms destroyed at least seven homes in the southern part of the state.

"The wind was just really, really ferocious," said Julie Wilz, a desk clerk at the Red Roof Inn in Montgomery, where about 15 people took shelter during the storm. Before heading inside, she said she saw the tip of a funnel cloud.

In western Tennessee, a funnel cloud reportedly touched down, damaging an undetermined number of buildings in Henry and Weakley counties.

"Numerous homes there were damaged, some completely destroyed," said Faye Scott, spokeswoman for the Henry County Sheriff's Department. "It's major destruction."

The tornado made a direct hit on Henry County's emergency management center, forcing authorities to relocate to another building to handle the disaster, County Mayor Brent Greer said.

The county medical center treated 13 people with injuries, mostly cuts and bruises, hospital spokeswoman Sandra Sims said.

The storm ripped the roof off the main shop at the county highway department, destroyed two smaller shops and damaged a furniture manufacturer next door, Greer said.

Most of the highway department staffers were able to take cover in the basement. "We're very fortunate," Greer said.

In neighboring Weakley County, up to seven homes and trailers were damaged or destroyed.

The National Weather Service could not immediately confirm the tornados.

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