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Indiana town powerless for 12 days
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The gist
Nearly 30,000 Indiana residents remain without power 12 days after severe storms. Restoration delays spark frustration as families endure survival mode.
Background
A wave of severe storms struck the US Midwest on August 11, 2026, bringing flooding and tornadoes to Chicago and Indiana, killing seven people. The storms downed trees and power lines, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. Utility company Nipsco has restored power to many, but thousands remain in the dark, prompting criticism from local officials and residents.
How it unfolded
- Aug 11, 2026Severe storms with flooding and tornadoes hit the US Midwest, including Indiana, killing seven people and causing widespread power outages.
- Aug 20, 2026Residents in northwest Indiana endure a ninth day without power, with schools closed in Gary and people relying on food lines and phone charging stations.
- Aug 22, 2026Nipsco reports 33,124 customers still without power; some Gary residents told restoration may not come until Tuesday.
- Aug 23, 2026Gary Mayor Eddie Melton says 12 days is too long for families to be without power; Nipsco reports 16,476 customer accounts still without electricity.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said the pace of restoration is unacceptable and that 12 days is too long for families to be without power.
- Utility
- Nipsco said it understands the impact of prolonged outages and is working to restore power, citing unprecedented damage to its electric system.
- Residents
- Residents like Terry Dubois rely on friends for food and power banks to charge phones, describing the situation as 'survival mode.'