Tornado hits Bloomington; storm then tears through Brown, Bartholomew, Johnson Counties

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:05 AM

Bloomington damage-Courtesy WISH TV-Drew Narsutis

INDIANAPOLIS - Officials confirmed a tornado touched down in Bloomington on Thursday evening. That storm continued east through Brown, Bartholomew, and Johnson Counties.

In Bloomington, several homes, a Kia Dealership, a Fifth Third Bank branch, the Monroe County Airport, and the Monroe County Humane Society animal shelter all suffered damage.

Monroe County Emergency Management said thousands were initially without power. As of late Thursday night, no injuries had been reported in the Bloomington area.

After leaving Bloomington, the storm cell moved east through Brown County, northwestern Bartholomew County, and southeastern Johnson County.

Local News Digital has not heard from officials in those counties about any major damage or injuries.

More from Bartholomew County News

JNET busts 4 on drug charges

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) received information that a husband and wife were possibly dealing drugs from their residence at 525 Parkway Drive in Columbus.
City breaks ground on new Columbus Animal Care Services facility

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Animal Care Services (CACS) broke ground Wednesday, August 26, on its new shelter, the Wendy H. Elwood Animal Care Services Center, marking a major milestone in the city’s effort to expand and modernize local animal care.
Columbus City Utilities project will close parts of 18th, Elm Streets next month

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Portions of 18th and Elm Streets will close in early September for a Columbus City Utilities water tower replacement project scheduled for completion by September 30.
I-265 school bus accident sends 2 juveniles to hospital

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - Indiana State Police troopers responded to a crash involving a school bus on westbound I-265 at the 33-mile marker, near the 10th Street/State Road 62 exit, just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26.
Jennings County deputy arrests motorcyclist traveling 118 mph

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Deputy Alex Campbell was recently on patrol when he saw something approaching that immediately caught his attention. It was a motorcycle and he clocked it at 118 mph in a posted 35 mph zone.

Comments

Add a comment

Display Name *

Location *

Email Address *

Comment *

I have read and agreed to the privacy policy and terms & conditions *

Community Calender

Sound and Spirit Community night
Sound and Spirit Marching Band Annual Community Night
Aug 27, 2026 at Columbus North High School
Torchfire Film Festival
The Torchfire Film Festival returns to the Historic Artcraft Theatre in downtown Franklin, Indiana, on Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m. for an unforgettable nig...
Aug 27, 2026 at The Historic Artcraft Theatre
FREE Mill Race Marathon Training Program
Have you been thinking about running or walking a Mill Race Marathon this fall? Whether you're training for your first 5K or preparing for the half marathon...
Aug 27, 2026

Today's Weather

Bartholomew County Weather
Sunny intervals

High: 84°F | Low: 61°F