Pendleton, Indiana, Severe Weather: Possible Tornado, Thunderstorms Damage Homes [Photos]

Parts of Central Indiana were under a tornado watch after thunderstorms swept the state on Memorial Day, causing heavy rain and hail.

Pendleton was one of the worst hit areas. Advising the residents to stay indoors, emergency management officials in Madison County said large trees and power lines were reported down in Pendleton and several roads in the town were closed. An emergency shelter was set up at the Pendleton Heights High School for those being evacuated.

Todd Harmeson, public information officer of the Madison County Emergency Management Association, said search-and-rescue teams were going door to door to check on the residents and assure they were safe.

"We're checking to make sure residents are OK. At this point, we have no reports of injuries," Harmeson said, the Indianapolis Star reported.

Warning the residents that trees were down "on every street" in the city, Harmeson added, "Stay inside. Shelter in place if you can.”

Local media reported that at least 75 homes in the town were damaged by storms and officials were not allowing motorists into the community. Power outages reportedly caused structure fires and some gas lines were also addressed after storm damage.

“Lots of trees and poles down. Many homes damaged. Door to door search for victims still underway in the Pendleton area. Currently we are not aware of any injuries. South Madison schools will be closed Tuesday,” Madison County Sheriff’s Office tweeted.

“If u r wanting to help emergency officials are asking you to please stay at home. They r currently working to make the area safe for people Tomorrow morning emergency officials are planning open up at staging area for people that are willing to help,” the Madison County Emergency Management Agency tweeted.

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed a tornado was spotted over Montpelier shortly after 9 p.m. EDT. Two tornadoes were also reported in Pendleton on Monday evening; however, the NWS was yet to confirm it.