The Lake County Board of Commissioners has declared a local disaster emergency following severe storms last week. On June 11, five tornadoes struck areas including Cedar Lake, Schneider, St. John, Gary, Hobart, and other parts of Lake County. These tornadoes included three EF0, one EF2, and one EF3, causing significant damage.

This declaration ensures that county services operate fully under Indiana Code to protect lives and property. Public offices and employees are expected to diligently handle their duties and abide by necessary emergency regulations.

Michael Repay, President of the Board of Commissioners, noted that the declaration follows state and federal guidelines. While it opens opportunities for state and federal funding, it does not guarantee financial aid. “We stand with the victims of this natural disaster,” Repay stated.

Significant damage, such as silos affected in Hebron, highlights the impact of these storms. In nearby Porter County, the Emergency Management Agency has sought help from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to assess damages. IDHS teams will conduct property evaluations in the area, wearing IDHS clothing and showing credentials for identification.

Gathering damage data is crucial for determining eligibility for government assistance. Residents are encouraged to report severe storm damage by calling 866-211-9966 or visiting in211.communityos.org. The Purdue Extension is available for agricultural damage reports.

On the morning after the storms, residents of Northwest Indiana, as well as parts of Illinois, assessed significant damage. Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service indicated at least 29 tornadoes in these areas, causing extensive power outages.

An EF3 tornado, with speeds between 136 and 165 mph, traveled from Hebron to Kouts, while other tornadoes affected various towns. Tragically, a Palos Hills couple died in Portage after their camper filled with fumes from a portable generator used during a power outage.