After a night of destructive winds, emitting parts of Hamilton and Hendrix County, the Indianapolis National Weather Service confirmed Thursday afternoon that both areas were hit by tornadoes.
The National Weather Service of the Indianapolis Investigation Team confirmed that Carmel had been hit by an EF1 tornado that could be between 86 and 110 mph, while the northeast end of Hendrix County was hit by an EF2 tornado that could be between 111 and 135 mph.
Carmel city leaders confirmed at a parliamentary meeting Thursday afternoon that no one was injured in the storm.
The fallen trees remained in the storm on Wednesday night, April 3, 2025 near the intersection of Carmel East Avenue and North Gray Road.
This is consistent with information reported last night, with the NWS radar showing a tornado moving northeast at 65 mph in Zionsville at 9:30 pm. Carmel reminds residents on social media: “The tornado is on the ground in the area. Shelter immediately.”
After the tornado ripped apart throughout the city, photos and videos began to appear throughout the city to damage.
Carmel officials shared the road of a possible tornado on social media on April 2, 2025.
According to information released by the city, the powerful storm appears to have hit the Midtown Industrial Corridor west of Carmel’s Monon Trail. Several businesses along Third Avenue SW and Carmel Drive have ripped roofs and broken glass in the parking lot.
Earlier in the evening, a Hendrix County tornado severely damaged the Brownsburg warehouse. The sheared walls and partially collapsed roof of the Surla dining table warehouse are one of the most compelling images of Wednesday night’s storm damage.
To cope with the losses, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam declared a local emergency at 1 p.m. Thursday as Hamilton County city believes the ongoing storm losses and recovery actions. Carmel City Council also voted to pass $250,000 for the city’s general fund in an emergency meeting to cover losses and cleanup costs, in addition to up to $50,000, which can be used for the Park Fund.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun also announced that he will activate the Indiana National Guard to help residents affected by the bad weather.
“The Hosier Guard always answers the call to serve our state and our country,” Braun said in a press release. “In an era like this, I am very grateful to the soldiers who are safe and secure on the ground.”
The full range of damages for Carmel and the entire state have not been determined. The governor’s office team is still investigating the matter and will update the public as it learns more.
Contact Indystar reporter Noe Padilla at [email protected] and follow him at x @1noepadilla or Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.
This post originally appeared in Indianapolis Stars: NWS confirms that EF1 tornado in storm last night hit Carmel
