Severe Storms Cause Extended Power Outages and Delays in Gary, Indiana

After more than two weeks following severe storms that left thousands without electricity, power and air conditioning were finally restored to nearly all residents of Gary, Indiana, by Wednesday. According to the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO), fewer than 250 utility customers in the city of 69,000 were still experiencing outages as of Wednesday afternoon.

NIPSCO stated in a website update that their storm restoration efforts, relating to the August 11 storm and subsequent weather events, were largely complete. They mentioned that while crews continue addressing a limited number of individual outage cases, overall restoration efforts throughout their broader service territory had concluded.

A derecho, capable of producing tornado-strength winds, struck parts of Indiana and the Midwest on the morning of August 11. The National Weather Service reported winds ranging from 70 to over 100 mph, leading to significant power line damage. NIPSCO described the event as “the worst damage in known company history,” affecting 80% of its customers, which numbered around 375,000. By Wednesday night, fewer than 250 outages remained in the company’s service area.

Besides the derecho, there were tornadoes, such as a 26-mile-long EF2 twister that began in Illinois and moved into Indiana. The National Weather Service estimated its peak wind speed at 110 mph, causing damage to roofs and uprooting trees.

NIPSCO faced criticism due to delays in power restoration. Gary Mayor Eric Melton declared the pace of restoration unacceptable in a statement on Sunday. Some residents of Gary described hardships, such as sleeping in their cars with air conditioning on to escape the heat. Calvin Boone, aged 44, mentioned generator thefts in his neighborhood. Joetta Walker, age 73, who has asthma, shared her struggles without power to use her nebulizer, forcing reliance on an inhaler.

Residents expressed concerns that their city was last to have power restored due to racial demographics. An executive from NIPSCO’s parent company assured the Associated Press that outages were linked to the storm’s path, not racial factors.

Governor Mike Braun criticized NIPSCO’s response. He called for an investigation, asserting that customers expect the utility to prepare for severe weather and restore services promptly. Braun highlighted NIPSCO’s failure to meet its obligations.

Braun announced on Tuesday that President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration request. This declaration facilitates additional aid availability.

Storm-related casualties in Indiana numbered seven. These include victims in Lake County, Delaware County, and individuals in Jennings, Porter, LaPorte, and Henry counties.

NIPSCO President and CEO Vince Parisi expressed gratitude for customers’ patience, noting this was the worst damage experienced by the company. He stated that restoration is complete, and focus is now on aiding community recovery.