Thousands lose power due to storms; 3 schools dismissed early

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — More than 20,000 central Indiana residents were without power at some point Wednesday due to storms.

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Update 4:55 p.m.

Bargersville Fire Department in Johnson County said it battled a challenging blaze Wednesday in the basement of a home in the 500 block of North Centerline Road. That’s a Franklin address located west of the town of Whiteland and south of the town of New Whiteland. The fire began after a lightning strike. No one was injured. The home received about $30,000 in damage.

Update 4:44 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 13,052 outages.

Duke Energy is reporting 486 outages.

Update 3:01 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 16,823 outages.

Duke Energy is reporting 1,323 outages.

Update 2:43 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 16,275 outages.

Duke Energy is reporting 1,305 outages.

Update 2:25 p.m.

Scecina Memorial High School is dismissing students early due to power issues.

Update 1:59 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 18,121 outages.

Duke Energy is reporting 1,137 outages.

Update 1:52 p.m.

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana was forced to close at noon due to water damage. The building was evacuated and the on-site pantry will be back from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Update 1:29 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 24,720 outages.

Duke Energy is now reporting 1,069 outages.

Update 1:11 p.m.

AES Indiana says it is not sure when power will be restored following storms. The company has issued this statement regarding outages and repairs:

AES Indiana crews are currently working to restore 23,980 customers affected by high winds and lightening from the severe storms that just moved across our service area. Safety is AES Indiana’s top priority during this restoration process. Crews are working to repair significant damage to power lines and equipment.

AES Indiana

Update 1:08 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 24,212 outages.

Duke Energy is now reporting 1,049 outages.

Update 12:53 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 23,980 outages.

Duke Energy is reporting 1,237 outages.

Update 12:34 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 24,816 outages.

Duke Energy is reporting 1,203 outages.

Update 12:27 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Morgan, Johnson and Shelby counties until 1 p.m.

AES Indiana is now reporting 28,739 outages.

Duke Energy is reporting 1,097 outages.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.:

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Morgan, Johnson and Shelby counties until 12:30 p.m. The main hazards are gust winds at 60 miles per hour, heavy rain and frequent lightning.

Original story:

As of 12:12 p.m., AES Indiana (formerly IPL) says more than 27,000 customers are without power.

Duke Energy is reporting another 957 across the state.

The outages have caused three schools to be dismissed early.

Harrison Hill Elementary, Belzer Middle School and Lawrence Central High School with the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township are dismissing early.

Harrison Hill students will be dismissed at noon. Belzer and Lawrence Central students will be dismissed at 1 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Hendricks County until 12:15 p.m.