Tens of thousands of individuals and businesses in northwest Indiana remain grappling with power outages due to severe storms that struck earlier this week.
The ongoing electricity issues are hindering recovery efforts as the community works tirelessly to rebuild and recover.
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In the wake of the storms, over 260,000 NIPSCO customers were left in the dark by Thursday morning, marking it as the most significant power outage event the utility has ever faced, with initial outages affecting upwards of 301,000 customers.
NIPSCO projects that power will be restored to 90% of impacted homes and businesses by Tuesday, August 19, with a full restoration expected by Friday, August 21.
Adding to the tumultuous weather story, the National Weather Service confirmed that at least six tornadoes swept through the Chicago area on Tuesday, including two that touched down in parts of northwest Indiana.
The National Weather Service said an EF2 tornado traveled from Monee to Crete and another EF1 traveled from Orland Park to Flossmoor on Tuesday. A third tornado was confirmed in Will County around Mokena, the NWS said. The damage is consistent with an EF1 tornado. Two of the tornadoes traveled into Indiana. The National Weather Service on Wednesday also confirmed an EF0 tornado in the Oswego area. And an EF1 tornado was confirmed in Wilmington. On Thursday, a sixth tornado, an EF1, was confirmed in the Homewood area.
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Indiana Governor Mike Braun authorized the state’s National Guard to assist with storm cleanup in Lake County.
The Indiana National Guard said they plan to hand out meals soon, but have yet to release any locations.
Braun declared Statewide Disaster Emergency due to the storms on Thursday.
“Hoosiers’ safety is my top priority,” Braun said. “Our state response is fully mobilized, resources are moving where they’re needed, and we will continue working around the clock to support every impacted community.”
Two people died in the severe storms. In Gary, 58-year-old Paula Plebanski , a woman who was experiencing homelessness, died after being struck by roofing material.
In Portage, 86-year-old Leona Rice died in a house explosion.
However, despite the destruction, neighbors are showing up for each other.
In Portage, the American Legion Post 260 provided meals for those impacted by the storms while Portage Township leaders set up free shelter for people to rest and charge up their phones and medical devices.
Another storm damage victim in Portage, Indiana is making a plea for help amid widespread storm recovery in the area.
A young woman from Portage is trying to find help for her and her parents.
Two trees fell on top of their trailer home in Oak Tree Village Trailer Park causing the roof to cave in. Now the 21-year-old, Dawnn Gaoian, her 76-year-old father John and 56-year-old mother Wendy do not have a place to live.
Dawnn, who just graduated collage, says her family doesn’t have the money to cover the damage and are now unsure of where to go.
“Just seeing your childhood home, all those memories gone, and just trying to figure out where to go next with things,” Dawnn said. “And we don’t have homeowners insurance or anything like that. So it’s definitely been a bit of a struggle to try to figure out where we’re gonna go next with things.”
The family has started a GoFundMe page to aid their recovery.
The storm’s impact is also affecting families preparing to return to school.
The School Town of Munster announced the first day of school for K-12 students has been postponed until at least Monday, Aug. 17.
SEE ALSO | School Closings: Chicago and NW Indiana Complete List
Food Distribution Locations:
The Salvation Army is hosting meal distribution events on Thursday until supplies last:
-Portage High School 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
-The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps 5 p.m.
-The Salvation Army La Porte Corps 5 p.m.
-La Porte City Hall 5 p.m.
-La Porte Civic Center 6 p.m.
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