Governor Declares State of Emergency in 63 Indiana Counties After Severe Weather

Governor Mike Braun announced a state of disaster emergency for 63 counties in Indiana on Friday, following severe weather events that included flooding, tornadoes, and a derecho between June 6 and June 18. Among the counties under the emergency declaration are Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Marion, Tippecanoe, Jasper, and St. Joseph.

The disaster declaration aims to expedite the mobilization of state resources to aid local governments and residents affected by the storms.

Many Hoosier communities were impacted by the severe weather that swept through our state. This emergency declaration ensures that every available state resource is mobilized quickly to support response efforts, help local governments address urgent needs, and help Hoosiers recover, Braun stated.

The emergency status, effective for 30 days, empowers the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to offer financial support to affected families through the State Disaster Relief Fund program.

In response to last week’s severe storms, the Lake County Board of Commissioners issued a local disaster emergency declaration. On June 11, five tornadoes, ranked from EF0 to EF3, struck areas including Cedar Lake, Schneider, St. John, Gary, and Hobart.

The declaration obliges county services to fully engage in emergency measures to safeguard lives and property.

All public offices and employees of Lake County are hereby directed to exercise the utmost diligence in the discharge of duties required of them for the duration of the emergency and in execution of emergency laws, regulations, and directives — state and local, states the declaration.

Board of Commissioners President Michael Repay noted that the declaration aligns with state and federal regulations, making the county eligible for funds, although it doesn’t guarantee them.

The people and businesses affected are due relief and the Board of Commissioners stands with the victims of this natural disaster, Repay said.

The Porter County Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for property damage assessments related to the June 11 storms. These assessments help determine eligibility for government assistance programs.

Residents of Lake and Porter counties should report severe storm damage by contacting Indiana 211 at 866-211-9966 or through the website in211.communityos.org. Agricultural damages should be communicated to the Purdue Extension.

The storms, which also impacted areas in Illinois, caused widespread damage. A National Weather Service crew confirmed that an EF3 tornado struck the Kouts area with wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph.

Tragically, in the aftermath of these events, a Palos Hills couple succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from a portable generator in Portage, as reported by local fire officials.