Merrillville, Indiana – Residents of Lake and Porter counties remain in the dark as utility crews continue to restore electricity after a severe derecho struck the region on August 12. The storm toppled trees, snapped power lines, and caused extensive damage to substations, leaving over 23,000 households without power. Indiana Michigan Power reports that crews have repaired 68 % of the affected lines, but ongoing safety inspections and the need for replacement of damaged transformers have slowed progress. Local officials have opened warming centers and distributed bottled water, while the National Guard assists with debris removal. Officials urge residents to conserve battery power and report any downed lines to 911.
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