Roofs Ripped Off Homes During Tornado Warning
The area of 76th & Jackson in Merrillville was hit by a powerful storm during the tornado warning this evening around 9:15 PM. The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois issued the warning as rotation in the storm intensified over the Region.
Home owners told RNS, “It sounded like a train when it hit and as quick as it came it was gone.” Another resident told RNS, “I ran to the bathroom to take cover as the windows busted out the front of the house.” The residents grabbed some belongings and waited for rides since some of their vehicles were in collapsed garages. NIPSCO arrived immediately for the smell of gas in the neighborhood and cut the lines off to all the homes without roofs. No injuries have been reported here as of 10:30 PM.
The Red Cross will be assisting those who were displaced from their homes due to the damage. If anyone is needing assistance after tonight’s storms the Red Cross will be at the Trustees Office at 8 AM, Saturday April 1st at 26 W. 73rd Ave. (Behind the fire station)
The Chicago NWS office will likely send a survey crew to the area to determine if an actual tornado touched down.
NIPSCO reported over 18,000 without power in their service area at the peak. The storm brought damaging winds with gusts up to 75 mph and rain caused elevated electric power outages across Northern Indiana. NIPSCO crews will work to assess damage, make the necessary repairs and restore power as safely and quickly as possible in the ongoing inclement conditions.
