Overview
- Strong thunderstorms moved through the region Wednesday night, producing heavy rain, damaging winds, flooded streets and widespread tree damage.
- Utilities reported roughly 2,600 ComEd customers and more than 21,000 NIPSCO customers without power early Thursday as crews worked to restore service.
- The South Shore Line suspended service through the Thursday morning rush after a freight train derailed and power loss affected the rail corridor.
- Local responders reported roof and structural damage in places such as Bartlett and Huntley, with NWS and county teams still investigating whether a tornado touched down near Huntley.
- The American Red Cross opened a relocated shelter in Merrillville and municipal crews prioritized clearing roads and restoring critical infrastructure to speed recovery for residents.