Severe Storms Cause Fatality and Power Outages in Northwest Indiana

Violent storms struck Northwest Indiana, resulting in one fatality in Portage and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. The Portage Fire Department reported a house fire fatality, though an explosion remains unconfirmed. Jeff Chin and Tiffany Gonzales worked to clear fallen trees in Valparaiso on August 11, 2026.

More than 290,000 customers experienced power outages according to NIPSCO’s website. By 4 p.m., 290,022 NIPSCO customers were without power. Notable outages included 34,406 in Gary, 21,223 in Hammond, and 20,842 in Crown Point. Other affected areas included Hobart, Merrillville, and Munster. In Porter County, Portage had 14,215 without power, while Valparaiso counted 30,206. Kankakee Valley REMC reported 7,859 of its 21,871 customers affected.

The Merrillville Police Department advised residents that downed trees and power lines were disrupting traffic. Town crews and other agencies worked to address these hazards. An emergency proclamation was signed due to the severe weather, with municipal meetings canceled and repairs underway.

Reports from other towns included closures of city offices and meeting cancellations. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors for safety. Utility crews and city personnel prioritized reopening roadways and restoring power.

In Portage, emergency responders faced delays due to debris and hazardous conditions. The circumstances surrounding the reported explosion and fatality are under investigation. Mayor Austin Bonta declared a state of emergency, with City Hall serving as a command center. Woodland Park was set up as an emergency shelter for those unsafe in their homes.

The storm’s damage led to the cancellation of classes in Portage Township Schools. Communication efforts are ongoing to determine when schools will reopen. Public safety measures and road clearing are prioritized to ensure neighborhoods are accessible.

Transportation was heavily affected, with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District reporting suspended services and bus deployments due to the storm. South Shore Line service faced disruptions from fallen trees and damaged wires.