Overview
- A fast‑moving derecho on Aug. 11 produced winds measured at about 99 mph in Gary, caused widespread wind and flood damage and at least seven deaths as crews began recovery work.
- Peak outages topped roughly 374,500 customers after the storm, and as of Monday about 11,000 customers remained without power, with the largest share concentrated in Gary.
- NIPSCO says the storm broke nearly 1,200 poles and damaged dozens of transmission components, requiring thousands of individual repairs and phased restorations with most customers expected to be back by Tuesday night, an estimate the company says can change.
- Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has deployed the National Guard to clear debris for crews, asked for expedited federal disaster aid and publicly pressed NIPSCO to bring more crews, while the utility disputes claims it failed on vegetation management.
- Schools in Gary reopened on a two‑hour delay and charities including World Central Kitchen and the Chicago Bears are providing meals and supplies as residents report spoiled food, trouble refrigerating medicine and strained access to water and medical equipment.