Northwest Indiana still grapples with power outages nine days after storm
More than 68,000 customers in northwest Indiana remain without electricity a week after a severe storm, prompting community aid efforts and school closures.
Northwest Indiana utilities reported that 68,000 customers were still without power on Thursday, nine days after a storm on Aug. 11 toppled trees and downed power lines. Northern Indiana Public Service Co. said it has restored electricity to 306,500 customers since the event, but full restoration in some areas, including Gary, is not expected until early next week.
Residents have been discarding spoiled food, queuing for hot meals, and searching for places to charge phones. Community members have used social media to locate open laundromats and Wi-Fi access, while volunteers have distributed food, diapers and cleaning supplies to low-income neighborhoods.
Health concerns are rising, according to Indiana University Indianapolis professor Courtney Page-Tan, who noted risks from carbon-monoxide poisoning due to generator use, loss of power for medical devices, and food safety issues from spoiled perishables. "Nine days is a long time for a community to be without power," she said.
Local businesses remain closed; Gary’s school district, serving about 4,300 students, has been shut since Aug. 13 and will stay closed through at least Friday. Portage Township Schools postponed its Aug. 12 start and now plans to begin classes on Aug. 25, citing safety concerns over downed trees and damaged infrastructure.
Community leaders highlighted the importance of volunteer support. Raydia Martin, assistant director of the Flourish Community Hub, said the response from volunteers provides a needed sense of certainty amid ongoing uncertainty.
NIPSCO described the damage as "unprecedented and widespread" and noted that crews from across the country are assisting with repairs. Melody Birmingham, an executive at NIPSCO’s parent company, attributed faster recovery in neighboring Illinois to differences in tree density and infrastructure, stating that "no storm is created equal" and "no service territory is the same."
In central Ohio, heavy rains caused flash flooding in Columbus, prompting rescues of motorists and a 12-year-old boy swept off a bridge. Mayor Andrew Ginther said the city is focusing on recovery despite the additional weather challenges.