Roof repairs were taking place Friday on homes near Frankie Woods McCullough Academy.
Three tornadoes touched down in Gary
Contributed By: The 411 News
Mayor Melton issues executive order declaring a local disaster emergency
Gary’s storm damage on Wednesday evening was not caused by 1 tornado, but by three tornadoes, the National Weather Service reported.
The National Weather Service said a preliminary assessment by storm survey teams determined an EF-1 tornado, with winds of 86 to 110 mph, hit near Frankie Woods McCullough Academy and the neighborhood east of Wallace Street at 21st Avenue in southwestern Gary. An EF-0 tornado hit near 29th Avenue and Burr Street in Gary, and another EF-0 tornado hit near the Emerson area.
Part of the roof at McCullough Academy, 3757 W. 21st Ave., was torn off, damaging the gymnasium and several classrooms. Several homes near the school had major roof damages. The NWS recorded a wind speed of 110mph at McCullough, and between 73mph and 75mph at the other Gary locations.
The tornado wrapped a portion of the roof at McCullough into a ball
McCullough was closed to students Thursday and Friday, with school staff reporting to the Gary Career Center. Gary schools will be closed for spring break March 24 through March 28.
The Gary Community School Corp. has not determined whether McCullough Academy will return to full operation.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton issued an executive order Thursday, declaring a local disaster emergency in the city. The strong winds and heavy rains caused flooding; downed trees, downed power lines, and power outages led to property damages across the city.
The declaration of the local disaster emergency is the first step a locality must take to obtain state or federal aid.
Near 8th Avenue and Georgia Street in Gary, the tornado took off portions of the roof of a vacant building.
Immediate response measures include efforts to reduce flooding, clear roads and neighborhoods of dangerous debris, and remove storm-damaged structures that pose a threat to public safety. In addition, the city is mobilizing resources to provide vital relief and support to affected community members.
Story Posted:03/21/2025
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