BLOOMINGTON — Authorities are urging residents to avoid the west side of Bloomington immediately as first responders struggle to navigate extensive damage from tonight’s severe storms.
Captain Ryan Pedigo of the Bloomington Police Department issued a direct plea to the public, asking motorists to stay home and stop “disaster sightseeing.” Large numbers of people driving around to look at the damage are currently obstructing emergency crews who are attempting to assess injuries and secure the area.
High-Risk Zones: Highland Village and West Third Street
Emergency responders are particularly focused on the Highland Village neighborhood. Motorists are strictly advised to avoid the following corridors:
- West Third Street and Park Square Drive
- Curry Pike
- Liberty Drive
The situation on the west side remains life-threatening due to several factors:
- Downed Power Lines: High-voltage lines are down across several roads. These should be considered live and extremely dangerous.
- Dark Intersections: Numerous traffic lights are out, and visibility is low.
- Infrastructure Damage: Reports indicate extensive structural damage to commercial and residential buildings, with debris scattered across major thoroughfares.
“First responders are experiencing difficulties with the large number of people that are driving around looking at damage,” Captain Pedigo stated.
Police emphasize that every vehicle on the road for non-emergency purposes creates a bottleneck for ambulances, fire trucks, and utility crews working to restore power.
What You Should Do Now
- Shelter in Place: If you are in a safe location, stay there.
- Avoid the West Side: Do not travel toward the W. Third Street or Curry Pike areas for any reason.
- Report Hazards: If you see a downed line or a gas leak, call 911 only if it is a new, unreported emergency.
- Check on Neighbors: Use phones or messaging to check on friends and family rather than driving to their locations.
