Starke County Emergency Management Agency officials are still assessing the damage caused by Monday night’s storms. Director Ted Bombagetti is working with the National Weather Service to conduct an initial damage assessment. They’ve confirmed straight-line winds hit several areas but have yet to officially confirm any tornado touchdowns.
Several people in the Grovertown area have reported property damage they believe was caused by a tornado, but that has not yet been confirmed by the National Weather Service. Bombagetti plans to meet later today with National Weather Service officials, and we will bring you an update as soon as information is shared with us.
Bombagetti says a tornado causes rotational damage and scatters debris in all directions. It also skips, unlike straight line winds. They cover a large area and often cause more damage than a tornado, according to Bombagetti. He says the leaves on the trees act like sails and cannot support or let the wind pass through, which is why so many trees fell Monday night.
