In the aftermath of Tuesday’s storms, Indiana Governor Mike Braun reported extensive effects across the state. He noted significant damage caused by strong winds and power outages. In Gary, wind speeds reached approximately 99 miles per hour, and in Henry County, rainfall exceeded 10 inches.
On Wednesday, Braun evaluated storm damage in Northwest Indiana. He worked closely with officials from various state departments, including Natural Resources, Homeland Security, and Transportation. Braun instructed Homeland Security to oversee the response efforts. Jonathan Whitham, Executive Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, praised local communities for their effective response. The state emergency center received numerous requests for help, which are being coordinated with state and local partners.
Whitham highlighted that teams from different state agencies are ready to provide the necessary support statewide. Governor Braun identified power restoration as the top priority. The Northern Indiana Public Service Company described the storm as the largest outage event in its history, affecting over 300,000 people.
In the wake of long lines at gas stations, Braun assured residents that the state is monitoring for price gouging and emphasized vigilance during the gas tax holiday.
While state and local agencies lead cleanup efforts, Braun mentioned possible assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after assessing the extent of the damage, which could take up to a week.
U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan has already initiated contact with FEMA to seek regional assistance and stressed the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies in disaster recovery efforts. He acknowledged the remarkable response from first responders and communities in Northwest Indiana.
Mrvan highlighted the impact on local areas such as LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, Schererville, and Dyer. He encouraged residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly seniors. Residents can contact Mrvan’s office for support once power is restored.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton declared a local disaster emergency and converted a city facility into an overnight shelter. He encouraged residents to avoid high water and downed powerlines while commending public safety teams for their dedicated efforts. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott reported similar damage in his city, with widespread power outages affecting about two-thirds of residents. Restoration efforts may extend through the weekend due to the severity of outages.
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