Tornadoes Strike Illinois and Northwest Indiana

At least seven confirmed tornadoes swept through Illinois and Northwest Indiana on Thursday night. The National Weather Service reported late Friday that Kouts was hit by an EF3 tornado. Merrillville experienced an EF2 tornado, while St. John faced an EF0 tornado.

In Illinois, tornadoes were reported in the communities of Streator with an EF3; Graymont to Dwight with an EF1; and Bartlett with an EF1. Images from June 11, 2026, show storm clouds with rotation over the Bramblewood subdivision in St. John, Indiana.

This marks the second occurrence in three months where a tornado of similar magnitude struck the region, following a previous event in Lake Village, Newton County in March.

An EF3 tornado’s wind speed ranges from 136 to 165 mph, estimated based on ground damage. The Enhanced Fujita scale classifies tornadoes from EF0 to EF5, with EF0 starting at 65 mph and EF5 exceeding 200 mph.

Leanne Blind-Doskocil, meteorologist at Valparaiso University, stated that most tornadoes are rated EF1 or lower, making up about 77%. Almost all tornadoes, 95%, are below EF3 intensity, making these stronger ones rare.

The weather service noted that the ratings are preliminary, with further damage surveys and analysis expected in the coming days, particularly in southern Lake County and several locations south of the Kankakee River.

NIPSCO reported 29,148 customers without power early Saturday, down from a peak of 86,640 after the storms. Restoration estimates included midnight Saturday for Hammond and Crown Point; 11 p.m. Sunday for Plymouth; 11:59 p.m. Monday for Monticello, Valparaiso, La Porte, and Angola; 6 p.m. Tuesday for Gary, Goshen, and Merrillville. Residents can report outages by texting “out” to 444111, visiting the NIPSCO website, or using their mobile app.

The Pleasant Township Trustee’s Office announced via Facebook that First Presbyterian Church in Kouts is collecting donations for affected individuals from Sunday to Wednesday. Needed items include gas cards, bottled water, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Cash donations will be used to purchase necessary items.

Lake and Porter County residents can visit the Indiana 211 website or call 866-211-9966 to report storm damage. This will help the Indiana Department of Homeland Security assess damage and plan recovery actions.

Andrean High School in Merrillville suffered significant damage. Officials expressed gratitude for community support on Facebook, noting the presence of insurance and contractors. Further updates on the damage and recovery plans will follow.

Donations to support the high school can be made via their website. “Andrean has always been more than buildings and grounds. It is a community,” officials said.

Merrillville officials advised those in need to contact the American Red Cross or Ross Township Trustee’s Office. The Red Cross can be reached at (800) 733-2767 and the trustee’s office at (219) 769-2111.

The Red Cross set up a shelter with 700 beds at Lincoln Center in Highland. Donations of clothing, toiletries, and food can be made at Ross Township Trustee’s Office.

The Ross Township Trustee’s Office announced via Facebook its opening on Saturday and Sunday to provide supplies and collect donations for tornado-affected individuals.

The Salvation Army planned to distribute blankets, health kits, and cleaning supplies. Strack and Van Til at 61st and Broadway planned to distribute free meals to residents until 5 p.m. Saturday.

Hy-Vee volunteers were set to visit affected areas Saturday to provide meals and supplies. Additionally, Humane Indiana offered assistance with pet food or care through email contact.