Central Indiana businesses are strengthening their defenses as 2025 marks a record-breaking year for tornado activity, making IT resilience more critical than ever
The year 2025 has delivered an unprecedented wake-up call for Central Indiana businesses. Indiana has had 57 tornadoes so far in 2025, compared to the same amount in all of 2024, the second-highest total in the state’s recorded history. For Lebanon businesses and their surrounding communities, this dramatic increase in severe weather activity has transformed IT infrastructure planning from a routine business consideration into a survival imperative.
Lebanon, located in Boone County, sits squarely in Indiana’s tornado corridor. Recent severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 8 miles east of Frankfort to near Lebanon to 7 miles west of Danville, moving northeast at 60 mph. These weather patterns underscore why local businesses are increasingly turning to professional managed IT services to ensure their operations can withstand nature’s most destructive forces.
The New Reality of Weather-Driven Business Disruption
The statistics paint a sobering picture of what businesses face. In an average year, 800 tornados are reported resulting in 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths. But the impact extends far beyond physical safety—it strikes at the heart of business continuity. Threats to a data center can arise from various sources such as cyber attacks, technical malfunctions and natural events like floods or tornadoes.
Modern businesses rely heavily on digital infrastructure, making weather resilience a critical component of operational success. What happens when the unexpected strikes—a cyberattack, natural disaster, or sudden surge in demand? This is where a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) steps in as the unsung hero, architecting resilient IT systems that keep businesses running, no matter what.
Building Tornado-Resistant Technology Infrastructure
Smart Lebanon businesses are adopting a multi-layered approach to IT resilience that goes beyond traditional backup solutions. Resilience is moving upstream from disaster recovery checklists into architecture and day-to-day operations. In 2026, mature I&O organizations will understand that disruption is inevitable, putting greater investments in up-front to design systems and architectures that degrade gracefully and recover quickly, rather than aiming for unrealistic uptime perfection.
The key components of tornado-resistant IT infrastructure include:
- Distributed Cloud Architecture: Distributing systems across multiple availability zones can provide yet another layer of business continuity protection
- Real-time Data Replication: Modern replication techniques have improved so much that RPOs can reach as low as 5-10 seconds
- Automated Failover Systems: High availability (HA) is about designing systems to maximize uptime for day-to-day operations, typically through redundancy, automated failover mechanisms and load balancing
- Geographic Redundancy: Critical systems housed in multiple locations to prevent single points of failure
The Strategic Value of Local Managed IT Services
For Lebanon businesses, partnering with experienced it services lebanon providers offers distinct advantages during severe weather events. Local providers understand the regional weather patterns and can respond immediately when disasters strike.
CTS Computers, serving Central Indiana since 1991, exemplifies this local advantage. We’ll address your computer support problems and network issues within one hour—guaranteed. This rapid response capability becomes crucial when tornadoes threaten business operations. The advantage of working with a local Indianapolis IT company is that on-site response doesn’t involve coordinating with distant technicians or waiting for parts to be shipped. We maintain relationships with local vendors and keep common replacement parts available.
Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Planning
Effective tornado preparedness requires more than just backing up data. To develop an effective disaster recovery plan, one must undertake several essential steps. Establish explicit objectives for Recovery Time (RTO) and Recovery Point (RPO), which are vital to reducing both downtime and data loss in the event of a catastrophe.
CTS Computers takes a holistic approach to business continuity, offering services that include:
- 24/7 Network Monitoring: Network monitoring runs 24/7 to catch issues before they impact your operations
- Proactive Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity protection shields your business from the growing threat of ransomware and data breaches that are hitting Indianapolis businesses more frequently
- Strategic IT Consulting: Strategic IT consulting helps you make smart technology decisions that support your business goals without breaking your budget
The Economic Case for IT Resilience
The financial impact of inadequate disaster preparedness can be devastating. The average cost of a ransomware-related incident now stands at $4.4 million. When combined with weather-related disruptions, unprepared businesses face compounding risks that can threaten their very survival.
Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to an average 2,500 square-foot, one-story home. For businesses with sensitive electronic equipment, the damage can be exponentially higher. This reality makes investing in resilient IT infrastructure not just prudent, but essential for long-term viability.
Preparing for the Future
As climate patterns continue to evolve, Lebanon businesses must adapt their technology strategies accordingly. Governor Mike Braun has proclaimed March 9-15, 2025 to be Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the state of Indiana. The National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, and Amateur Radio Operators will conduct a statewide test of communication systems, highlighting the importance of coordinated preparedness efforts.
The businesses that will thrive in this new environment are those that view IT resilience not as an expense, but as a competitive advantage. Resilient IT infrastructure isn’t just a safety measure—it’s a competitive advantage that ensures your company thrives in the face of uncertainty.
With tornado activity at historic levels and weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, Lebanon businesses cannot afford to treat IT resilience as an afterthought. By partnering with experienced local providers and implementing comprehensive disaster recovery strategies, they can ensure that when the next storm hits, their operations continue uninterrupted while their competitors struggle to recover.