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Severe Storms Leave Thousands Without Power in Northwest Indiana

Severe Storms Leave Thousands Without Power in Northwest Indiana

Northwest Indiana is grappling with the aftermath of severe storms that struck the region a week ago, leaving thousands without power. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that at least eight tornadoes touched down in the Chicago area, including an EF-2 tornado from Monee, IL, to Crown Point, IN. The storms, which included a derecho with wind speeds reaching up to 100+ mph, caused widespread damage to homes, trees, and power lines. NIPSCO, the local utility company, has described the event as the worst outage in its history, with some customers in Munster and Highland expected to remain without power until next Tuesday. Restoration efforts are ongoing, but residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the pace of recovery and the lack of communication from the utility company.
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Power Outages Persist in East Chicago, Indiana, Following Fire and Storm Damage

Power Outages Persist in East Chicago, Indiana, Following Fire and Storm Damage

East Chicago, Indiana, is grappling with widespread power outages after a fire broke out near 149th Street and Railroad Avenue on Monday night. The fire, which reportedly involved NIPSCO power equipment, followed a severe storm that struck the area a week earlier, leaving many residents without electricity. As of early Tuesday morning, over 5,000 residents in East Chicago were still without power. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and seeing a utility pole engulfed in flames, possibly due to a transformer explosion. NIPSCO crews have been working to restore power, but challenges remain across Northwest Indiana, with some areas like Gary and Dyer also experiencing significant outages.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
East Chicago, Indiana, Experiences Renewed Power Outages Following Fire Amid Derecho Aftermath

East Chicago, Indiana, Experiences Renewed Power Outages Following Fire Amid Derecho Aftermath

Multiple homes in East Chicago, Indiana, have once again lost power due to a fire that broke out near 149th Street and Railroad Avenue on Monday night. This incident occurred a week after a severe derecho caused widespread power outages across Northwest Indiana. While some residents had their power restored after the initial storm, others in East Chicago were plunged back into darkness, with over 5,000 people affected as of early Tuesday morning. Witnesses reported seeing a large fire, with some believing NIPSCO power equipment was burning, and a gas smell was noticeable near the scene. NIPSCO crews were working at the site, though the company has not confirmed the cause of the fire or its direct link to the new outages. Meanwhile, other areas in Northwest Indiana, such as Dyer and Gary, continue to grapple with extensive power restoration efforts, with some residents potentially waiting another week for service.
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East Chicago, Indiana, Experiences Renewed Power Outages Following Fire and Storms

East Chicago, Indiana, Experiences Renewed Power Outages Following Fire and Storms

Multiple homes in East Chicago, Indiana, are once again without power after a fire broke out near 149th Street and Railroad Avenue on Monday night, following severe storms that caused widespread outages last week. Residents reported hearing a loud boom and witnessing an electrical utility pole engulfed in flames, possibly due to a transformer explosion. This new outage affects over 5,000 people, some of whom had only recently had their power restored after the initial storms. NIPSCO, the utility provider, has not confirmed the cause of the fire or its direct link to the new outages. Meanwhile, other areas in Northwest Indiana, including Gary, continue to experience significant power disruptions from last week's storms, with NIPSCO estimating that the majority of customers in the region will have power restored by Tuesday night, though Gary is not included in this timeline.
USA Today USA Today
This state has faced 'relentless' tornadoes in record-breaking year

This state has faced 'relentless' tornadoes in record-breaking year

Illinois has seen over 200 tornadoes so far this year, according to preliminary data. It's just a few twisters away from Texas' all-time record.
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100K+ NW Indiana Residents Still Without Power After Severe Storms

100K+ NW Indiana Residents Still Without Power After Severe Storms

Nearly a week after severe storms swept through northwest Indiana, over 100,000 residents remain without power. The storms caused widespread damage, including downed trees and power lines, leaving many communities struggling to recover. Cities like Gary, Hammond, and Merrillville were among the hardest hit. Residents are facing challenges such as extreme heat, spoiled food, and limited access to essential services. Local organizations, including Eight Days of Hope and the Salvation Army, are providing meals and supplies to affected families. NIPSCO, the local utility company, is working to restore power and aims to have all customers reconnected by Friday night. Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced $5,000 grants for storm victims, and federal assistance has been requested to aid recovery efforts. [Source: ABC7 Chicago, published on 2026-08-17 at 16:22 GMT]
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Storm Recovery Efforts Continue in Chicago and Indiana Amid Severe Weather Impacts

Storm Recovery Efforts Continue in Chicago and Indiana Amid Severe Weather Impacts

Severe weather has left a trail of destruction across the Chicago area and northwest Indiana, with at least seven storm-related deaths reported in Indiana. The region experienced historic rainfall, tornadoes, and flooding beginning August 11, 2026. Nearly 150,000 customers in northwest Indiana remain without power as of Sunday, August 16, 2026. Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency, and President Donald Trump approved a Presidential Emergency Declaration to provide federal disaster assistance. In Illinois, communities like Lansing and Flossmoor are still recovering from storm damage, with local leaders calling for federal aid. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, but progress has been slow due to the extent of the damage.
AP News AP News
Flooding risk remains as storms move from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic

Flooding risk remains as storms move from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic

A deadly stretch of unsettled weather is continuing Monday, with thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash flooding possible from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic
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Severe Storms Cause Fatalities and Power Outages in Indiana and Illinois

Severe Storms Cause Fatalities and Power Outages in Indiana and Illinois

Severe storms, including tornadoes and flooding, have caused significant damage across Indiana and Illinois. As of Sunday, August 16, 2026, at least seven storm-related deaths have been reported in Indiana, with three occurring in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties near the Chicago area. Nearly 150,000 residents in northwest Indiana remain without power. Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on Friday, and President Donald Trump approved a Presidential Emergency Declaration on Saturday. FEMA has announced federal disaster assistance to support recovery efforts. In Illinois, Lansing was hit by one of six tornadoes that swept through the Chicago area last week, prompting local leaders to request federal aid. The storms also disrupted events like the Chicago Air and Water Show and the Gary Air Show, which was canceled to prioritize recovery efforts.
USA Today USA Today
This state has faced 'relentless' tornadoes in record-breaking year

This state has faced 'relentless' tornadoes in record-breaking year

Illinois has seen over 200 tornadoes so far this year, according to preliminary data. It's just a few twisters away from Texas' all-time record.
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Chicago Bears Owner George McCaskey Confirms Progress on Indiana Stadium Sites Amidst Illinois Discussions

Chicago Bears Owner George McCaskey Confirms Progress on Indiana Stadium Sites Amidst Illinois Discussions

Chicago Bears Owner George McCaskey Confirms Progress on Indiana Stadium Sites Amidst Illinois Discussions
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125,000 Residents in Northwest Indiana Still Without Power Nearly a Week After Derecho

125,000 Residents in Northwest Indiana Still Without Power Nearly a Week After Derecho

Northwest Indiana continues to grapple with widespread power outages nearly a week after a derecho struck the region on Tuesday. As of Sunday, over 125,000 residents remain without electricity, with critical infrastructure such as police departments, fire stations, and wastewater treatment facilities relying on backup generators. The storm caused significant damage to transmission and distribution systems, leaving many neighborhoods in the dark. Local leaders and residents have expressed frustration over the lack of communication and clear timelines from NIPSCO, the utility company responsible for restoration efforts. NIPSCO has stated that 90% of power is expected to be restored by Tuesday night, with full restoration anticipated by Friday night. However, many affected communities, including Dyer and Munster, Indiana, are still awaiting updates.