Series of Tornadoes Hits Illinois and Northwest Indiana

At least seven confirmed tornadoes struck Illinois and Northwest Indiana on Thursday night. Among these, an EF3 tornado hit Kouts, as reported by the National Weather Service late Friday night. Merrillville experienced an EF2 tornado, while St. John was affected by an EF0 tornado. Tornadoes were also reported in Illinois communities such as Streator with an EF3, Graymont to Dwight with an EF1, and Bartlett with another EF1.

Storms exhibited rotational movement over places like the Bramblewood subdivision in St. John, Indiana, on June 11, 2026. This is the second occurrence of a high-velocity tornado in the area within three months, following an EF3 tornado in Lake Village, Newton County, in March. EF3 tornadoes have wind speeds ranging from 136 to 165 mph. Damages on the ground help estimate wind speeds.

The Enhanced Fujita scale, highlighted by meteorologist Leanne Blind-Doskocil, ranges from EF0, starting at 65 mph, to EF5, exceeding 200 mph. Blind-Doskocil explained that around 77% of tornadoes are rated EF1 or lower, while about 95% are below EF3 intensity. Strong tornadoes such as EF3s are rare.

The weather service indicated that the ratings for the recent tornadoes are preliminary, and further assessments are underway. Damage surveys will continue in areas like southern Lake County and regions south of the Kankakee River.

NIPSCO reported 29,148 customers without power early Saturday, down from a peak of 86,640. Estimated power restoration times include 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, and 6 p.m. Tuesday for Gary, Goshen, and Merrillville.

Residents lacking power can text “out” to 444111, visit nipsco.com/outages, or use the NIPSCO app. The service area for each community is part of larger regions within listed cities.

The Pleasant Township Trustee’s Office announced that First Presbyterian Church in Kouts will collect donations for those affected by the storms, from Sunday to Wednesday. Drop-off times are between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Needed donations include gas cards, bottled water, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Cash donations will purchase necessary items.

Residents in Lake and Porter County are asked to report storm damage on the Indiana 211 site or call 866-211-9966. This process aids the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in estimating damage and planning recovery actions.

“Damage assessments will guide recovery efforts,” an official noted.

Andrean High School in Merrillville, sustaining significant damage, acknowledged community support on Facebook. Insurance representatives and contractors are assessing the situation. The school will update the community on the damage and plans in the coming weeks. Donations to support the school can be made on their website.

Merrillville authorities encourage those needing help to contact the American Red Cross at (800) 733-2767 or the Ross Township Trustee’s Office at (219) 769-2111. The Red Cross set up a shelter with 700 beds at the Lincoln Center in Highland, accepting clothing, toiletries, and food donations.

The Ross Township Trustee’s Office is also open Saturday and Sunday, providing supplies and collecting donations. The Salvation Army planned to distribute blankets, health kits, and cleaning supplies, while Strack and Van Til offered free meals to affected individuals until 5 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers from Hy-Vee also helped distribute meals and supplies on Saturday.

In a Facebook post, Humane Indiana offered assistance with pet food and care to those impacted by the tornadoes. Affected individuals can contact them via email at [email protected].