Indiana Tornado Warning: Storms Bring Damage, Closures and Power Outages Across State

On December 28, 2025, Indiana found itself in the crosshairs of a severe weather system that swept across the Midwest, leaving a trail of disruption, uncertainty, and damage. As temperatures plummeted from record highs earlier in the day to chilly lows by nightfall, residents watched the sky darken and the wind pick up, bracing for what meteorologists warned could be a dangerous evening.

Early warnings from the National Weather Service signaled trouble ahead. Tornado watches were issued for dozens of Indiana counties, including Marion, Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Delaware, Hancock, Henry, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Randolph, Rush, and Shelby. A tornado watch means conditions are ripe for tornadoes to form, but it’s the tornado warning—issued when a tornado is spotted or indicated by radar—that really sends people scrambling for shelter. By 6:23 p.m., radar picked up a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Rockville, moving east at a brisk 45 mph.

As the evening progressed, the warnings and watches shifted from county to county. At one point, severe thunderstorm warnings blanketed central Indiana, with wind gusts threatening to reach 65 mph. The storm’s intensity forced the closure of several major roads. State Road 56 in Dubois County was blocked by a fallen tree, while State Road 135 north of Mound Street in Brown County was shut due to a tree tangled in power lines. In Greene County, the heart of downtown Linton experienced a partial building collapse—a stark reminder of nature’s force. The city cautioned residents to avoid the area, citing multiple downed power lines and hazards scattered across town.

For those living in the path of these storms, the experience is visceral. Power flickers and fades, leaving homes in darkness. The crack and roar of thunder become a constant companion. People check their phones for alerts, wondering if the next warning will be for their neighborhood. Emergency services urge everyone to stay indoors, avoid travel, and steer clear of downed lines or debris.

The wider Midwest was not spared. According to CNN, blizzard conditions snarled holiday travel, with more than 30 million people under winter weather alerts and at least 2 million facing blizzard warnings. Winds gusted between 40 and 60 mph, whipping snow into a near-whiteout in many regions. More than 9,000 flights were delayed and over 700 canceled, leaving travelers stranded in airports like Chicago O’Hare and LaGuardia. Interstate highways closed, and power outages rippled across states, with Michigan reporting the largest numbers.

Indiana’s own power grid was tested as lines fell and transformers struggled. Utility providers like AES Indiana and Duke Energy fielded calls from residents reporting outages and downed lines, while local officials advised how to report blocked traffic signals or hazardous debris. For many, the storm was a lesson in preparedness: charge devices, have flashlights ready, and know where to take shelter. The night’s turbulence echoed the advice from meteorologists—don’t underestimate these storms.

By late evening, the worst of the weather had moved east, and watches and warnings began to expire. Roads reopened as crews worked to clear trees and repair power lines. The damage assessment was just beginning, with emergency responders and city officials surveying collapsed buildings, fallen limbs, and battered infrastructure. But for those who spent the night listening to sirens and watching the radar, the memory of the storm’s power lingers.

The timing couldn’t have been worse for travelers. As AAA predicted over 109 million people would hit the road for end-of-year trips, the storms forced many to rethink plans or delay departures. Families bundled up in airports, hoping their flights would leave. Others took to the highways, only to find themselves rerouted or stopped by hazardous conditions. The Midwest’s unpredictable weather had once again shown its capacity to upend routines and demand respect.

While Indiana’s tornado warnings eventually expired and the immediate threat passed, the state’s experience serves as a reminder: severe weather can strike with little warning, and preparation is key. The night of December 28, 2025, will be remembered for its swirling winds, sudden darkness, and the resilience of communities who weathered the storm together.

Indiana’s response to the December 2025 tornado warnings highlights the critical importance of timely alerts, infrastructure readiness, and community awareness. The rapid coordination between weather services, local officials, and residents helped mitigate harm, but the event also exposed vulnerabilities in power grids and travel networks. As severe weather events grow more frequent and intense, investing in preparedness and robust communication will be essential to protecting lives and property.

Sources: WTHR, IndyStar, CNN