Damage and Displacement in Northwest Indiana After Strong Thunderstorms

GARY, Ind. (WGN) — An elementary school and multiple homes were damaged, displacing dozens of families, as strong thunderstorms raked Northwest Indiana on Wednesday. A National Weather Service survey team confirmed much of the damage was the result of an EF-1 tornado.

The Hardest Hit Area

The hardest hit area appears to be in Gary, near Hendricks Street and West 21st Avenue. On Thursday, the city was in recovery mode as residents were left to figure out what comes next.

Resident Accounts of the Storm

“The lights started blinking. The rain started hitting the house real, real hard,” Gary resident Donell Currin Jr. told WGN. “I looked at the school and I see all the debris rotating in a funnel cloud.”

Frankie Woods McCullough Academy, an elementary school, had part of its roof torn off by the strong winds. An EF-1 intensity tornado packs winds ranging from 86 to 110 MPH. School principal Charmayne McKinley called the damage “devastating.”

Photos show damage inside Gary school hit by tornado

Response and Aftermath

Currin and his cousin, Michael Reeves, were working on a house across the street from the school when the storm passed.

“It tore the school up. It tore them houses up, and it was throwing all that debris and we just tried to outrun it,” Reeves said. “When we got back and saw the damage, oh man, we just started praying because we know there’s a lot of people in these houses and our hearts go out to them.”

Assessing the Damage

Officials with the school district expressed gratitude that the damage wasn’t worse.

“It could have happened earlier in the day, and we just think about all of those things and all of our babies, staff, and teachers that were in the building,” said Chelsea Whittington, the chief spokesperson for Gary Community School Corp.

City officials say wind damage and business flooding are among the other difficulties they’re assessing as utility crews worked to fix broken poles and downed power lines. But as far as they’re aware, there were no serious injuries or deaths associated with the storm.

Support and Relief Efforts

Deputy Chief Mark Terry with the Gary Fire Department said one woman became trapped by debris when the roof of her home collapse but she was rescued and taken to a hospital in stable condition.

Officials have setup a 24-hour shelter at the city’s site on the 4100 block of Washington Street for those impacted to shower, sleep and have a hot meal.

Other Affected Areas

In Highland, a NWS survey team said an EF-0 struck the community, uprooting trees and leaving debris scattered.

“It’s going to take a long time to get all of this together,” said resident Sheila Courtright, who was left cleaning up after a tree fell on her home.

Another resident summed up the situation, saying: “Property can be replaced. Lives can’t.”

Conclusion

The strong thunderstorms that hit Northwest Indiana have left a trail of destruction and displacement in their wake. While the damage is extensive, the community is coming together to support those affected and rebuild. The setup of a 24-hour shelter and the efforts of utility crews to restore power and repair damaged infrastructure are crucial steps in the recovery process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of tornado hit Gary, Indiana?

A: An EF-1 tornado hit Gary, Indiana, with winds ranging from 86 to 110 MPH.

Q: How many people were displaced by the storm?

A: Dozens of families were displaced by the storm, which damaged multiple homes and an elementary school.

Q: Were there any serious injuries or deaths reported?

A: As far as officials are aware, there were no serious injuries or deaths associated with the storm. One woman was rescued after being trapped by debris and was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

Q: What support is available for those affected by the storm?

A: A 24-hour shelter has been setup at the city’s site on the 4100 block of Washington Street, where those impacted can shower, sleep, and have a hot meal.