Greene County officials have declared a local state of emergency following a destructive tornado that swept across the county on the evening of May 16, leaving a trail of destruction from the western to eastern borders.

In a formal declaration signed May 17 by Nathan L. Abrams, President of the Greene County Board of Commissioners, the county cites Indiana Code 10-14-3, which allows local governments to declare an emergency in the event of a disaster. According to the declaration, the tornado caused widespread or severe damage, including destroyed homes, farm buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. At least one loss of life has also been reported.

The extent of the damage, which is still being assessed, is expected to reach into the millions of dollars and has significantly impacted multiple communities including Linton, Newberry, and Worthington. Reports from those areas indicate homes were completely leveled.

Abrams’ declaration activates emergency protocols and calls on the Greene County Emergency Management Agency to coordinate with federal, state, and other agencies to provide aid and services to residents affected by the storm.

The state of emergency went into effect at 9:10 p.m. on May 16 and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 23 unless renewed by the Board of Commissioners.

County officials urge residents to remain cautious, avoid storm-damaged areas, and stay tuned to local news sources for updates and recovery efforts.