Thousands Still Without Power in Indiana Two Weeks After Destructive Derecho
Gary, Indiana, nears full power restoration over two weeks after violent storms, with residents enduring post-apocalyptic conditions and criticism of local utility company NIPSCO
On August 11, 2026, a powerful derecho devastated northwest Indiana.
Catastrophic Damage and Prolonged Outages
The storm, which included two tornadoes and 100 mph winds, inflicted catastrophic damage on Northern Indiana Public Service Co.’s (NIPSCO) grid, knocking out power for more than 60% of its customers. Nearly two weeks later, Gary and Portage still face extended outages, with NIPSCO estimating full restoration by late August 25.
Residents describe conditions akin to “the end times.” Latasha Montgomery, a mother of three, recounted losing hundreds of dollars in spoiled food. “It’s like the apocalypse,” she said, echoing sentiments from neighbors who now wash laundry by hand and depend on generators.
Gov. Mike Braun directly criticized NIPSCO, stating the utility “continues to fail Hoosiers despite having access to every state resource available.”
Post-Apocalyptic Conditions in Gary
The city’s streets remain littered with fallen trees and debris, while darkened traffic lights force chaotic intersections. For residents like Timothy Holmes, a pacemaker user, generators have become a lifeline. “Without mine, I wouldn’t be able to keep my pacemaker online,” he said, despite daily fuel costs of $30–$50.
Others, like Fantajia Malone, face dire circumstances. Her rented home sustained water damage, and she refuses to let her children play in the backyard. “We feel like cavemen,” she said, highlighting the psychological toll of prolonged outages.
The storm’s impact is compounded by Gary’s economic struggles. Once a manufacturing hub, the city now has a third of its 67,000 residents living in poverty.
Blame Game and Infrastructure Criticism
Local leaders and residents blame both “Mother Nature” and NIPSCO for the crisis.
Historical Context and Regional Impacts
Gary’s vulnerability stems from decades of industrial decline. The economic fallout extends beyond individual households. Schools closed, forcing working parents to send their children to live with relatives who could care for them during the day.
The Road to Recovery
As Gary inches closer to power restoration, the storm’s legacy lingers.
As the sun sets on another day without power, the people of Gary continue their struggle, their resilience tested by a storm that has left more than just darkness in its wake.