High Wind — Pike, Indiana

2008-09-14 · Pike, Indiana

Wider weather episode

Frequent wind gusts from 50 to 70 mph caused numerous problems in southwest Indiana. The low pressure center that was the remnant of Hurricane Ike raced northeast at 40 to 50 mph across Missouri and Illinois. The center passed between Carbondale, IL and St. Louis, MO on its way toward the northeastern states. The rapid speed of the low pressure system contributed to this high wind event. A peak wind gust of 64 mph was measured by the automated observing system at the Evansville airport. The highest sustained wind at the airport was 47 mph. An unofficial wind gust of 66 mph was measured at Newburgh.

Extensive tree damage occurred. Trees were uprooted and very large limbs were broken. Some trees fell on homes and vehicles, causing considerable damage. Other trees fell across roads, blocking them. Major roads were re-opened by nightfall, though smaller streets were blocked for up to two days. Blocked roads in Pike County included the major state roads, including Highways 61, 57, and 64. Roof and siding damage was reported on numerous structures. In Posey County, the north wall of the Mount Vernon water plant blew apart. Large signs were blown down. Numerous power poles and utility lines were down. Complete power restoration took several days. The Red Cross opened shelters in Evansville, Princeton, and Mount Vernon for those without power. In Winslow in Pike County, one person was trapped when a tree landed on a house. The person was rescued uninjured. In Evansville, a man was hospitalized after being trapped under a fallen tree for nearly an hour. Downed wires started a few field fires. A four-alarm field fire occurred near Newburgh in Warrick County. In Oakland City (Gibson County), an eight-square block area was evacuated for hours after a tree landed on a natural gas line. Railroad crossing gates were blown off in Chandler (Warrick County), and trees were cleared from railroad tracks. A sliding door was blown off a church near Evansville.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 125773. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.