Tornadoes cause damage in Northwest Indiana towns

A severe storm hit Northwest Indiana on Wednesday night, resulting in four tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service. Two tornadoes were recorded in Gary, and another in Highland. Gary experienced an EF-1 tornado on 21st Avenue, which caused significant damage. Mayor Eddie Melton declared a local disaster emergency in Gary on Thursday. He stated that the main focus is to ensure the safety and recovery of the community. The emergency declaration will remain in effect for one week or until the public is no longer at risk. City departments are working to clear roads, reduce flooding, and remove debris. As of Friday morning, 576 residents in Gary were still without power. Fortunately, there have been no serious injuries or fatalities reported. A tornado damaged the roof of McCullough Academy and affected nearby classrooms, leading to the cancellation of classes on Thursday and Friday. In Highland, cleanup efforts are ongoing. The Public Works Director reported that all roads are open now, and crews are focused on removing fallen trees and debris. He noted that while most major cleaning is done, smaller clean-up will take some time. No injuries were reported in Highland, although a few homes sustained damage during the storm.