The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado caused the damage in Linton Sunday night. Survey teams in Greene County determined an EF-1 tornado moved through the city, producing estimated winds of up to 100 miles per hour. The storm struck Linton on December 28, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that damaged downtown buildings, homes, utilities, and infrastructure. City officials estimate between 100 and 200 structures, both residential and commercial, were affected, and several residents were displaced. Injuries reported were minor. In response, Mayor John Preble has declared a Local Disaster Emergency for the City of Linton, allowing the city to utilize emergency resources and coordinate recovery efforts with county, state, federal, and nonprofit agencies, including the American Red Cross. Linton Fire Department crews rescued five people from a collapsed building and completed searches of damaged downtown structures. Multiple area fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency management teams, and ambulance services assisted in the response. Damage assessments will continue in the coming days, with state and county teams evaluating building safety and collecting information for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Residents who have been displaced are being assisted by the American Red Cross. City officials urge the public to stay out of the downtown damage area until it is declared safe. State Road 59 in Linton, between State Road 54 and Vincennes Street, is closed due to a building collapse. The detour for this closure is State Road 67 to State Road 54. Please seek an alternate route.
