Edited: For Associated Press style
By: Leslie Jones McCloud
It looked as if wrath had come to town.
The tornado that tore through much of north Merrillville three days ago left the area desolate.
It ripped through Andrean High School and snapped the tops off trees along its path.
Broadway remains closed near Strack’s shopping plaza and west along 61st Avenue.
The area looks war-torn. Thick branches are splintered and scattered in every direction, resembling the worn bristles of an old toothbrush.
The damage is shocking.
The tornado crossed westward along 61st Avenue, leaving deep trenches in the ground and utility poles snapped into pieces. Traffic is being diverted north onto Harrison Street, where the destruction continues. Entire roofs are gone, and massive oak trees rest atop exposed roof frames.
From the road, stone walls are among the few parts of some homes still standing.
Traffic inched along Harrison Street for several reasons: curiosity, confusion over which roads remained open and the heavy volume of vehicles diverted from the busy intersection of Broadway and 61st Avenue.
