IMAGE FROM THE GIBSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Classes at North Gibson Schools are cancelled and schools are closed today after Thursday’s tornado.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 touched down briefly near Princeton Community High School at about 3:50 local time  Thursday and traveled about 1.2 miles southeast to East State Street.  Winds were estimated at 86 to 110 miles an hour.

There was damage reported to the school’s roof and several homes along the tornado’s path as well as outside the city. Some of the other destruction included  a concrete building being torn apart, a mobile home was flipped over and playground equipment was hit by debris.

Gibson County Sheriff Bruce Vanoven took to social media several times after the storm. In one post, he warned residents to be cautious when approached by contractors offering services in the area, “Make sure they have insurance, that they’re bonded, and  OSHA guidelines.” he said.   “When they pull in and they’re wanting to talk to you, go take a picture of their license plate because fly by night organizations  will show up.  They do shoddy work and they victimize the people who are already victims.”

The Sheriff says if you don’t want them on their property, if they won’t leave, then call law enforcement.

The twister which only lasted about 3 minutes,  was a surprise as a pop up severe thunderstorm quickly intensified.  There were no injuries.

The Red Cross is assisting storm victims and the Salvation Army has provided food and shelter at 202 South Gibson Street in Princeton.