(Linton, IN) – A tornado tore through downtown Linton, a city in Greene County in southwestern Indiana, damaging buildings, blocking roads and forcing residents from their homes as local and state agencies moved into recovery mode.
The National Weather Service has confirmed the storm as an EF-1 tornado, with winds estimated near 100 miles per hour. The tornado cut through portions of Greene County, causing visible damage to multiple structures in Linton’s downtown business district.
In response, Mayor John Preble signed a Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency, effective December 29, following the severe storms that struck the city the night before. The declaration allows the city to quickly deploy resources, coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts, and request assistance from outside agencies.
The emergency order enables cooperation with Greene County officials, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, state and federal agencies, and relief organizations including the American Red Cross. City leaders say the declaration is intended to speed recovery while prioritizing public safety.
One person was taken to a local hospital following the storm. No fatalities have been reported. About 10 residents were displaced after damage left some homes temporarily uninhabitable. City officials say those residents have received assistance with temporary housing and other immediate needs.
Several downtown buildings sustained structural damage, including roof failures, broken windows and exterior wall damage. Debris from bricks and building materials spilled into nearby streets, leading to road closures while cleanup crews worked to secure the area. Portions of State Road 59 were closed or restricted as debris removal and safety inspections continued.
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service were in Linton on Monday conducting a damage survey. NWS meteorologist Andrew White said patterns in soil and debris along buildings showed evidence of rotating winds, confirming the damage was caused by a tornado rather than straight-line winds.
Mayor Preble urged residents to use caution, asking the public to avoid damaged areas and downtown if possible while crews continue recovery work. He also praised first responders, city employees and volunteers already assisting with cleanup and public safety efforts.
Damage assessments remain ongoing, and city officials say additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
