JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Tornadoes have left widespread damage in southern Indiana and a sheriff's official says at least one town of about 1,900 people is "completely gone."
National Weather Service coordinator Bill Whitlock there's "extreme damage" in the area of Henryville, a town of about 3,000 people just north of the Kentucky border. Destruction can be seen for miles and a school district spokeswoman says heavy damage has been reported at Henryville High school.
Clark County Sheriff's Department Maj. Chuck Adams says the nearby town of Marysville is "completely gone."
Officials say they've had difficulty confirming reports due to downed power and telephone lines, but the death toll is rising as of tonight to 14 people, in the aftermath of a series of tornadoes that ripped through southern Indiana.
Gov. Mitch Daniels said he plans to tour storm-damaged areas on Saturday.
“Once again, Mother Nature has dealt harshly with Indiana. Our every thought is with those we’ve lost and those who have suffered. We’ve learned so much and improved so much in disaster preparedness, warning systems and responder communications, but still we are no match for Mother Nature at her worst. We’re hopeful that we know the full extent of the damage, but it will be (Saturday) before we can give a final report with any confidence," Daniels said.
