Severe flooding overwhelms northwest Indiana communities after storms

Northwest Indiana experienced severe flooding due to heavy rains that occurred overnight on August 18, 2025. Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of Lake and Porter counties as intense storms caused over six inches of rainfall in just 24 hours, which led to significant flooding in residential areas and on roadways. Homeowners across Hammond reported flooding in their basements as water overflowed from the sewer system, creating a messy situation for many families trying to salvage their homes. Despite efforts to prevent such occurrences, including installing sump pumps and sealing basements, many residents found their homes affected by unexpected water levels. The conditions were so severe that schools in Whiting started with a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff. Superintendent Dave Verta emphasized the need for caution, stating some areas were still experiencing hazardous conditions due to the flooding. In addition to schools, local businesses like the Whiting Refinery and a banquet hall faced operational disruptions. The refinery implemented a weather protection plan as odors were reported in neighboring areas from materials being burned in flares to maintain safe operations. Emergency crews responded to numerous calls from residents stranded in vehicles on flooded streets. Some drivers experienced close calls, as water levels became so high that vehicles stalled. The Hammond Sanitary District managed a dramatic increase in rainfall, with their system typically designed to handle 68 million gallons during storms but overwhelmed by a staggering 160 million gallons. The amount of water during this recent storm was recorded as the highest seen in the past five years. Efforts to manage the situation included road closures on major routes like Calumet Avenue and municipal services coordinating responses to the flooding. The Hammond Sanitary District offered programs to assist homeowners in preventing future basement backups, such as reimbursement for installing backflow prevention valves. With many families now resolving the aftermath of the storm, communities in northwest Indiana are left dealing with significant cleanup efforts, highlighting the severe impact of recent weather patterns on local infrastructure and daily life.