Derecho Storm Leaves Thousands Without Power in Gary, Indiana
A derecho storm with 99 mph winds caused a widespread power outage in Gary, Indiana, leaving nearly 38,300 customers without electricity on August 11th. Ten days later, about 20,000 customers remained without power, making Gary one of the last communities…
Chicago, IL, August 23, 2026 —
A powerful derecho storm that swept through Gary, Indiana, on August 11th, with winds reaching 99 mph, caused a significant and widespread power outage affecting nearly 38,300 customers.
Ten days after the initial storm, approximately 20,000 customers in Gary were still without electricity. This extended duration made Gary one of the final communities in Northwest Indiana to see a full restoration of power.
Experts have identified several contributing factors to the prolonged outage. The storm’s high winds, combined with saturated soil conditions, weakened the root systems of many trees. This led to a substantial number of trees falling onto overhead power lines, disrupting the electrical infrastructure.
Adding to the complexity of the restoration efforts was the urban environment of Gary. The city’s limited space for tree root growth is believed to have exacerbated the impact of falling trees, increasing the damage to power lines and prolonging the repair work.
Story summarized from the original created by Calvin Davis on chicago.suntimes.com, see more information here.
