Tornado damages retirement community in Newburgh during severe weather outbreak across Illinois and Indiana
A tornado damaged the Park Place Apartments retirement community in Newburgh, Indiana, on June 21, 2026, as severe weather moved across portions of Illinois and Indiana. The Storm Prediction Center received 37 tornado reports during the outbreak, while emergency crews responded to structural damage, downed trees, and transportation disruptions.
EF3 tornado near Washburn, Illinois on June 11, 2026. Credit: Ben Warren/NWS
Multiple tornadoes touched down across parts of Illinois and Indiana through June 21, with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) receiving 37 tornado reports through the day.
Of the 37, 23 were reported in Illinois alone, 11 were reported in Indiana, and one in Kansas. Two landspouts were reported in Colorado as well.
A tornado touched down near Newburgh in Indiana’s Warrick County, causing significant damage.
It reportedly caused a collapse at the Park Place Apartments retirement community, according to the Newburgh Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD).
“We have damage in Newburgh. Please avoid the area while first responders work this area,” said Warrick County Emergency Management Agency (WCEMA).
“Troopers are responding to a major tornado incident in the Park Place Dr. area of Newburgh. Please avoid the area and allow emergency crews access,” said Indiana State Police (ISP).
Multiple tornado warnings were issued across Illinois and Indiana, including Warrick, Pike, Gibson, Jefferson, Marion, Fayette, Crawford, and Clay Counties.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely,” the NWS said in their warning.
The severe weather downed trees across the affected region blocking multiple routes. Two crashed were also reported amid the severe weather.
The first was reported near mile marker 44 on the eastbound I-64. While the cause of the crash remained unclear, a tree and a vehicle were involved in it, according to the ISP.
“Due to a tree blocking the roadway, I-64 eastbound is temporarily closed at this location. This area is already restricted to one lane because of an active construction zone, and significant traffic delays are expected,” ISP said. The road was reopened shortly after the incident.
Another crash was reported near mile marker 20.5 on the northbound I-69. The crash involved one vehicle that crashed into the highway’s median, with possible injuries being reported. It remains unclear if the crash was triggered by the severe weather conditions in the area.
“Today’s severe weather left behind significant damage in parts of southwestern Indiana, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. We are thinking of the families, businesses, and communities facing cleanup, repairs, and recovery in the days ahead,” ISP said.
References:
1 SPC Storm Reports – NOAA/SPC – June 21, 2026
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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