Justin White was driving home with his son, Gavin, after picking him up from a friend’s house in Hebron. As they rushed home to outrun an approaching funnel cloud, Gavin asked, ‘Are we going home with that?’ Justin replied, ‘Yeah. We got to go get your mom.’
Upon reaching their house, Justin parked on the lawn, allowing them to quickly enter through the back. Gavin and his mother took refuge in the basement. Justin attempted to capture the scene as the storm blew out the windows before joining his family in the basement.
The aftermath left residents in Northwest Indiana assessing damages after tornadoes, confirmed by the National Weather Service, swept through the area. The storm cut a path of destruction similar to its earlier track through Illinois, leaving thousands without power. Despite extensive damage, no fatalities were reported, though a semi driver in Merrillville sustained injuries.
Severe Impact in Kouts Area
An EF3 tornado, with wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph, struck the Kouts area. Weather service crews surveyed damage from Merrillville to Hebron. The tornado toppled trees and damaged property, with gusts reaching 76 mph in Town of Pines and 56 mph in Ogden Dunes, and flooding reported in Crown Point. NIPSCO restored power to most affected customers but warned those in hardest-hit areas might remain without electricity for more than a day.
Scott Pelath, from the Kankakee River Basin commission, inspected rivers for debris. Despite receiving three to six times the normal precipitation recently, he did not anticipate severe flooding.
Damage Across Porter County
South Porter County experienced significant damage, particularly along Baums Bridge Road and Ind. 49 in Kouts, and in Hebron’s farm country. Justin White detailed how a tree trunk crushed his car shortly after his family’s escape. His roof, installed for high winds, held despite the plywood peeling away.
His friend’s shop was also hit, with machinery damaged but potentially salvageable. Neighbors, such as Edward Schrey, noted the storm’s sporadic impact, with some areas untouched.
Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon praised the community’s response, ensuring extra officers patrol to prevent scams and looting.
Damage in Merrillville
In Merrillville, residents like Maria Williams faced severe home damage. A large tree uprooted in her yard, leaving her in tears over the uncertain future of her home. She rushed back from her job in Chicago after learning about the storm from her daughter.
Andrean High School sustained extensive damage, including shattered windows and a damaged roof. James Myers, the director of facilities, was devastated by the overnight destruction, spending the night clearing debris with an ex-employee.
Activities at the school were postponed as the damage was assessed. Colleen Brewer from the Diocese of Gary highlighted efforts to restore the school and community support for their ongoing projects.
In Merrillville, more than 200 buildings were damaged. The town emphasized reaching out for aid to the American Red Cross and Ross Township Trustee’s Office. A shelter was set up at the Lincoln Center in Highland for those displaced.
Response from Local Authorities
Law enforcement, led by Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr., responded to numerous calls for assistance, also aiding individuals affected by vehicle troubles amidst the chaos.
Mayor Austin Bonta of Portage detailed fallen trees and flooded areas like Willow Creek due to previous heavy rainfall. The local utility worked to address issues at the wastewater treatment plant and nearby areas.
Transport Interruption
The South Shore Line and Gary Public Transportation faced service interruptions due to the storm. Efforts were made to transport stranded passengers using alternative means.
As rebuilding and recovery efforts continue, the community and local officials unite to restore normalcy and support those affected.