The National Weather Service says a storm produced a brief tornado that formed south of US 20 and then moved north before lifting just southeast of the intersection of Ironwood Drive and Inwood Road.
It had estimated peak wind speeds of 115-125 mph. It touched down for two miles and was 200 yards wide.
There were no injuries or deaths in the tornado that touched down on the south side of South Bend last night. The worst of the damage hit Growing Kids Learning Center on Ireland Road. The east side of the building is almost completely gone. The roof has more holes and plywood than shingles.
Owner Mike Garatoni says they’re working to assess the damage and figure out where the kids will go.
“And then the plan is, we’re going to figure out alternatives for our parents that are enrolled, cause those folks count on us. We’ll take care of them, take care of our staff,” Garatoni said.
Several sheds in the neighborhood behind Growing Kids were destroyed. There’s roof and tree damage in the Irish Hills Apartment Complex, and St. Paul’s Senior Living facility to the north.
About 800 people in the area are without power today. 1,200 lost power initially, 400 were restored overnight. I and M expects the remaining customers will have power by 6 this evening.
