Storm Impact and Community Response
Tuesday’s severe storms wreaked havoc across Northwest Indiana, leading to widespread power outages and significant damage. As residents and public works employees began recovery efforts, challenges arose due to extensive downed trees and power lines.
Many areas issued disaster declarations, urging residents to stay off the roads to aid cleanup and power restoration efforts. A highway sign was downed along U.S. 12 in Gary, highlighting the storm’s impact.
Communities Affected
As of Wednesday morning, Cedar Lake, Chesterton, Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, LaPorte, Lake Station, Lowell, Merrillville, Michigan City, Munster, Portage, Saint John, Schererville, and Valparaiso experienced the most significant damage. Residents were asked to conserve water and sewer usage due to systems operating on power backups.
Power Restoration Efforts
Northwest Indiana’s power provider, NIPSCO, reported the largest outage in its history. By 11 a.m. Wednesday, around 287,000 customers remained without power, and restoration could take several days. Kankakee Valley REMC reported 2,299 customers still without power.
Weather Details and Emergency Declared
Gusts reached up to 99 mph at Gary/Chicago International Airport, and tornado tracks from Illinois entered Lake County. The National Weather Service classified the storm as a derecho, indicating embedded tornadoes.
Portage Mayor Austin Bonta declared a state of emergency, noting extensive damage and resource strain. Efforts began to secure state-level emergency support, and food distribution locations were set up with the Salvation Army.
Community Support and Challenges
Residents faced difficult conditions—some losing power for the first time in decades. Communities worked together, sharing resources and support.
In Merrillville, the town declared disaster status due to wind damage at the Town Hall. In Crown Point, city offices closed, but cleanup continued.
Schools Delay Start Dates
Schools postponed the start of classes. Andrean High School, Hobart schools, and Griffith Public Schools adjusted their schedules due to the storm.
Local Initiatives and Assistance
‘I’ve never seen such devastation,’ said Lakeshore Camp Resort’s operations manager.
Community members organized impromptu cookouts and distributed free meals. Businesses like The Wurst in Griffith used their resources to feed neighbors.
Local organizations offered cooling centers and charging stations to assist residents coping with power outages.
No significant damage reported at Gary/Chicago International Airport, though operations paused temporarily.