Image Source: WTHR
Central Indiana floods are part of a wider severe-weather emergency across the state after historic rainfall caused rivers to overflow, damaged communities and left thousands dealing with power outages. Emergency officials reported six storm-related deaths in Indiana as recovery crews worked through the weekend.
The storms began Tuesday, August 11, and continued through multiple rounds of heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. Three of the reported deaths occurred in the Chicago-area counties of Lake, Porter and LaPorte, while the remaining fatalities were reported elsewhere in Indiana.
Historic Indiana Flooding Prompts Federal Emergency Aid
Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency Friday as officials assessed damage from the storms. On Saturday, Braun said he had spoken with President Donald Trump, who later approved a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Indiana.
FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance would be available to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts. The assistance covers emergency conditions connected to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began August 11 and continued afterward.
The declaration provides an important boost for communities managing emergency operations, damaged infrastructure and flood recovery. Officials are still evaluating the full extent of the losses, including damage to homes, roads, utilities and public facilities.
What Officials Are Watching
- Six deaths have been reported across Indiana.
- Several rivers have risen above their banks after historic rainfall.
- Federal assistance is now available to support emergency response work.
- Additional storms remain possible Sunday morning.
- Residents with storm damage may be asked to document losses for local officials.
Power Restoration Halted After Gary Utility Vehicle Is Hit
Storm recovery faced another setback in Gary when a NIPSCO utility vehicle was struck by gunfire. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Rutledge Street, according to Gary police.
Two NIPSCO employees told officers that their vehicle was hit while they were surveying storm damage. Police said the vehicle was struck twice, but neither worker was injured. Investigators are trying to determine whether the shooting was targeted or intentional.
Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon said the vehicle was a small SUV rather than a traditional utility truck, adding that investigators were working to understand the circumstances. Video shared on social media appeared to show at least two bullet holes in the vehicle.
NIPSCO temporarily paused restoration activities involving crews in Gary while officials reviewed security measures. Work resumed Saturday evening, with additional coordination among NIPSCO, the Gary Police Department, Indiana State Police and state officials.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton condemned the violence and said utility crews were in the city to restore electricity to families who had already spent days without power. Indiana State Police planned to deploy additional troopers to help local departments protect restoration workers.
Residents expressed frustration over continued outages and delays. Some said they had been told power would be restored by Friday, while others worried that the shooting could further slow repairs. NIPSCO said restoration work was continuing across northern Indiana and asked residents for patience as crews worked under heightened safety precautions.
More Severe Weather Possible Sunday
In Chicago, the weekend weather also disrupted major events. The Chicago Air and Water Show was delayed Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until noon because of low clouds and rain. City officials said producers worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate flight conditions and protect performers, attendees and staff.
The show was expected to continue until 5 p.m. to preserve its schedule. ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologists said the heaviest forecast rainfall missed most of the Chicago area Saturday, reducing the immediate flooding threat.
However, another round of potentially heavy rain could affect the region between approximately 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters expected conditions to become mostly dry later Sunday, with temperatures reaching the low 80s, although an isolated downpour could still develop.
Residents in areas affected by the storms should monitor official weather alerts, avoid flooded roads and remain cautious near swollen rivers and damaged utility lines. People whose homes were damaged Tuesday or Wednesday in Cook County were also asked to complete a storm-damage survey by August 24.
Central Indiana Floods Leave Communities Facing a Long Recovery
The emergency declaration comes as communities across Indiana move from immediate rescue operations toward cleanup and rebuilding. Floodwaters, saturated ground and damaged electrical systems can create hazards even after skies clear.
The cancellation of next weekend’s Gary Air Show also reflects the scale of the recovery effort. Organizers said first responders were needed for cleanup and storm response, with hopes of bringing the event back next summer.
For residents, the next several days will be critical. Continued rainfall could slow debris removal, complicate power repairs and worsen river flooding. State and local agencies are expected to provide additional information as damage assessments continue and federal assistance begins reaching affected communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the central Indiana floods?
The flooding followed multiple rounds of severe storms beginning August 11, including historic rainfall, straight-line winds, tornadoes and intense runoff that caused rivers to overflow.
How many people died in the Indiana storms?
Emergency officials reported six storm-related deaths across Indiana. Three were reported in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, with the others occurring elsewhere in the state.
What federal help is available?
FEMA said federal disaster assistance is available to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts related to the severe storms and flooding.
Why did NIPSCO pause power restoration in Gary?
NIPSCO temporarily paused some restoration work after gunfire struck a utility vehicle. No workers were injured, and restoration activities resumed Saturday evening with additional security coordination.
Could more storms affect Indiana and the Chicago area?
Yes. Forecasters said storms could develop Sunday morning, particularly between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., before conditions become mostly dry later in the day.
