Severe Storms Leave Northwest Indiana in Crisis: Power Outages Persist for Over a Week
Northwest Indiana is grappling with the aftermath of severe storms that struck the region on August 11, 2026, bringing winds of up to 100 mph. The storms caused widespread damage, including downed trees, flooded neighborhoods, and extensive power outages. As of August 20, 2026, over 70,000 residents remain without electricity, with Gary, Indiana, being one of the hardest-hit areas. Local officials are working to restore power, but the complexity of repairs, including the replacement of entire transmission poles, has delayed progress. The storms initially left 300,000 customers without power, and seven fatalities have been reported across the state. Residents are expressing frustration over the slow recovery efforts, with many struggling to cope without air conditioning or refrigeration during the summer heat.