NORTHWEST INDIANA — A historic and destructive storm tore across Northwest Indiana Tuesday, bringing winds exceeding 100 mph, confirmed tornadoes, widespread damage, flooding and the largest power outage event in NIPSCO history.

The fast-moving line of storms crossed into the Region late Tuesday morning, producing widespread tree and power line damage across Lake and Porter counties. Numerous roads were blocked by fallen trees and wires as emergency responders and public works crews worked throughout the day to clear debris.

The National Weather Service confirmed Tuesday evening that an EF-2 tornado crossed into Lake County entering St. John. Another separate tornado entered Munster which is rated EF-1. Surveyors said both tracks may have continued farther into Northwest Indiana, with additional surveys expected. These tornadoes mark the second tornado for each town in the last 30 days.

A third EF-1 tornado was confirmed in northeast Will County near Crete / Mokena, bringing the preliminary total to three tornadoes from the August 11 storm event.

The storm also caused an unprecedented electrical outage. NIPSCO said approximately 301,000 of its 500,000 electric customers were impacted, making this the largest customer outage event in company history.

Extensive damage to trees, poles and power lines means restoration could take multiple days in some areas. NIPSCO said crews are working around the clock and additional resources are being brought in. Restoration estimates were not yet available Tuesday night.

NIPSCO also reported storm-related natural gas leaks. Anyone smelling a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor should immediately leave the area and call 911 and NIPSCO from a safe location.

Meanwhile, another round of severe thunderstorms is possible overnight as significant instability rebuilds across the area.

Large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall and flash flooding will be the primary threats, while an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Even considerably weaker winds could cause additional damage because thousands of trees and power lines have already been weakened by Tuesday morning’s storms.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from downed power lines and have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings overnight — including one that will wake them up.

With hundreds of thousands without electricity and widespread cleanup underway, recovery from Tuesday’s historic storm is expected to continue for days across Northwest Indiana.