Over 400,000 lose power after severe storms strike Illinois and Indiana

On August 11, 2026, severe storms swept through Illinois and Indiana, leaving over 400,000 customers without power. The storms were characterized by destructive winds exceeding 90 mph, which caused significant damage across various communities. ComEd reported that at the peak of the outages, more than 370,000 customers were affected, particularly in the southwest suburbs of Illinois, where at least three tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down. The aftermath of the storms revealed extensive destruction, with trees uprooted and homes damaged, particularly in Highland, Indiana, where nearly 10,000 residents were without power.

In Indiana, NIPSCO reported that over 300,000 customers were still without power as of Tuesday evening, representing nearly 60% of their customer base. The hardest-hit areas included Crown Point, Hammond, Gary, Highland, Griffith, Merrillville, Dyer, and East Chicago. The storms not only caused power outages but also led to tragic incidents, including a house explosion in Portage, Indiana, which resulted in one fatality. Neighbors reported hearing and feeling the explosion while they were assisting with the cleanup of downed trees and debris.

In response to the widespread outages, ComEd estimated that 80% of affected customers would have their power restored by noon on Wednesday, August 12. However, full restoration could take up to three days. Schools in Portage and Crown Point canceled classes on Wednesday due to the ongoing power outages and the need for families to deal with storm damage. Indiana State Police Sergeant Glen Fifield advised drivers in Lake and Porter counties to fill up their gas tanks, as gas stations that remained open might run out of fuel due to the power outages.

The severe weather outbreak serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in regions prone to such events. The community response has been commendable, with neighbors coming together to assist those affected by the storm. However, the long-term impact of the storm on infrastructure and the emotional toll on residents remains to be seen as recovery efforts begin.