Merrillville, Indiana – More than 12,000 residents across Lake and Porter counties remain without electricity 13 days after a severe windstorm ripped through northwest Indiana on August 12, toppling trees, downing power lines, and causing widespread damage. Indiana Michigan Power reports that crews have restored service to roughly 68 percent of affected customers, but crews are still battling to reach remote rural neighborhoods where damaged poles and flooded substations impede repairs. Local officials have opened emergency shelters at community centers and are distributing bottled water and food vouchers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $2.3 million in assistance for the region, and state officials have urged residents to conserve any remaining power and report downed lines via the utility’s 24‑hour hotline.
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