Severe Weather Hits Illinois and Indiana, Causing Power Outages and Damage
Severe Weather Hits Illinois and Indiana, Causing Power Outages and Damage
US · Published Aug 12, 2026
Severe thunderstorms and extreme wind gusts swept through Illinois and northwestern Indiana on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, leaving over 600,000 customers without power.
The National Weather Service issued warnings for dangerous storms, with wind gusts exceeding 80 mph (128 kph) reported in some areas.

Impact & Risks

The storms caused widespread power outages, with over 600,000 customers affected in Illinois and Indiana, and an additional 166,000 in Ohio. Wind gusts of 80 mph (128 kph) led to significant structural damage, including roofs torn off homes and trees falling onto power lines. Flooding was reported in several areas, further complicating recovery efforts. Residents in affected regions faced challenges such as food spoilage due to power outages and blocked roadways from debris. The National Weather Service emphasized the dangerous nature of these storms, urging residents to take precautions.

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