NWS Confirms Tornado Touched Down in Delaware County Wednesday
Tiny Tornado Touches Down in Indiana: What Happened and Why It Matters
The Big News in Simple Terms
Imagine a spinning column of air that dips down from a storm cloud, touches the ground for just a few seconds, and then disappears. That’s exactly what happened in Delaware County, Indiana on Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed it on Thursday.
IMPORTANT POINT: This was a very small, very short-lived tornado—it didn’t hurt anyone or damage any buildings.
What We Know So Far
Here are the key facts, broken down so they’re easy to understand:
- Where: Delaware County, Indiana (that’s in the east-central part of the state)
- When: Wednesday evening (during a line of strong storms)
- Confirmed by: National Weather Service Indianapolis Office (on Thursday)
- How they knew: People sent in videos and pictures—no damage was found on the ground
- How long it lasted: Less than one minute
- How far it traveled: Less than a tenth of a mile (that’s shorter than two football fields!)
- Damage reported: Zero—no homes, trees, or power lines were hurt
How Does the Weather Service Figure This Out?
You might wonder: If there’s no damage, how do they know it was a tornado? Great question! Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Storm reports come in – People spot something suspicious (a funnel cloud, debris spinning) and report it.
- Videos and photos are reviewed – Meteorologists look for clear signs of rotation touching the ground.
- Radar data is checked – The NWS looks at radar scans from that time to see if there was rotation in the storm.
- A survey team might go out – But in this case, they didn’t need to because the evidence was clear from the videos.
- Official determination is made – They classify it (EF-0, EF-1, etc.) based on damage… but here, there was no damage, so it’s labeled as a brief, weak tornado (likely EF-U for "unknown" intensity).
What Does "Yearly Tornado Count of 87" Mean?
Indiana keeps track of every confirmed tornado each calendar year. This little one was number 87 for 2024.
IMPORTANT POINT: 87 tornadoes in one year is a LOT for Indiana. The state averages about 22 per year. This has been an extremely active severe weather season.
Why Should You Care? (Even If It Was Tiny)
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Awareness | Tornadoes can happen anywhere in a storm—even brief, weak ones. |
| Science | Every confirmed tornado helps meteorologists improve forecasts. |
| Safety | It’s a reminder to take shelter during warnings, even if the tornado ends up being small. |
| Records | 2024 is shaping up to be a historic year for Indiana tornadoes. |
Summary
- A brief, weak tornado touched down in Delaware County, IN Wednesday evening.
- It was on the ground for under a minute and traveled less than 0.1 miles.
- No damage, no injuries—confirmed by videos and photos.
- This is tornado #87 for Indiana in 2024—way above average.
- Always take tornado warnings seriously, even if the tornado turns out to be small.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "EF-U" mean?
EF-U stands for "Enhanced Fujita – Unknown." It’s used when a tornado is confirmed but causes no damage, so its wind speed can’t be estimated.
Is a tornado that lasts less than a minute dangerous?
It can be—but this one wasn’t. Even weak tornadoes can flip mobile homes or snap tree branches. That’s why warnings matter.
How many tornadoes does Indiana usually get?
About 22 per year on average. 87 is nearly 4 times the normal amount.
Why are there so many tornadoes this year?
Meteorologists point to a very active jet stream pattern, lots of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, and frequent storm systems moving across the Midwest.
What should I do if a tornado warning is issued for my area?
Go to the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Stay away from windows.
Protect your head.
Have a way to get alerts (phone, weather radio, app).
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep an eye on the sky!