# Severe storms, flooding, and utility investigations in IN > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/severe-storms-and-flooding-in-indiana > Updated: 2026-09-05T06:19:00.000Z. Sources: 91. Developments: 12. Severe storms and a derecho with winds up to 99 mph caused widespread destruction and flooding across Indiana, resulting in seven deaths and an estimated $5 billion in regional damage. The weather events left approximately 300,000 NIPSCO customers without electricity, with nearly 38,000 homes and businesses in Gary facing prolonged outages for nearly two weeks. In response to the outages, state officials launched an investigation into NIPSCO regarding its preparedness and use of customer-funded investments. Residents have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging failures in infrastructure maintenance, while critics suggest NIPSCO may be diverting resources toward developing GenCo for the data-center industry rather than residential grid reliability. In Gary, the city has transitioned to a debris removal phase, contracting firms for an expedited 30-day cleanup of tree limbs and construction materials. Regarding flooding, over 1,000 people were displaced, with significant impacts in southeastern areas like Cambridge City, where Creitz Creek flooding damaged approximately 175 homes. Survivors have expressed frustration over a slow government response. While a $5 million disaster package was approved for over 50 counties, Governor Mike Braun has requested additional federal support. Experts noted that climate change likely contributed to the event's intensity, amid scrutiny of the state’s environmental policies and the fact that Indiana remains one of 18 states without a formal climate action plan. ## Claims - As of Thursday morning, 68,000 customers remained without power. (disputed by 4 sources) - Almost 30,000 people remained without electricity (disputed by 3 sources) - NiSource announced a $140 million dividend payout to shareholders (corroborated by 9 sources) - Gary Mayor Eddie Melton declared a local disaster emergency. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Approximately 75,000 customers were still without electricity as of August 18. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The storm was the most destructive to ever strike NIPSCO's service territory, causing its largest outage event. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Full power restoration for some Gary residents may not occur until Aug. 25. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Wind gusts during the Aug. 11 storm reached approximately 99 mph. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A class-action lawsuit alleges NIPSCO failed to remove hazardous trees and vegetation near power lines. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Seven people were killed across the Midwest region due to the storms (corroborated by 3 sources) - More than 300,000 customers had their service restored following the outage. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Indiana flooding leaves seven dead and survivors awaiting aid Seven people died and over 1,000 were displaced by record August flooding in Indiana. Survivors are currently awaiting further federal aid as the state faces criticism over its climate policies and response. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-flooding-leaves-seven-dead-and-survivors-awaiting-aid ### 2026-08-31: Gary, Indiana, faces investigations and lawsuits after prolonged power outage Gary, Indiana, faces investigations and lawsuits following a two-week power outage caused by an August 11 derecho. The city has begun a 30-day debris cleanup as officials probe NIPSCO's grid reliability. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gary-indiana-faces-investigations-and-lawsuits-after-prolonged-power-outage ### 2026-08-28: NIPSCO faces investigation after catastrophic Indiana power outages NIPSCO faces investigations and lawsuits following a major August derecho that left hundreds of thousands of Indiana residents without power for up to two weeks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nipsco-faces-investigation-after-catastrophic-indiana-power-outages ### 2026-08-26: Gary, Indiana faces prolonged power outages following severe storms Extended power outages in Gary, Indiana, caused by severe storms and a derecho have lasted over two weeks, with repair efforts hampered by infrastructure issues and reports of violence against utility workers. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gary-indiana-faces-prolonged-power-outages-following-severe-storms ### 2026-08-24: NIPSCO faces investigation following Northwest Indiana power outages Indiana Governor Mike Braun has ordered an investigation into NIPSCO following severe, multi-week power outages in Northwest Indiana affecting approximately 10,000 residents. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nipsco-faces-investigation-following-northwest-indiana-power-outages ### 2026-08-23: Gary, Indiana residents face prolonged power outages after deadly storm Thousands in Gary, Indiana, remain without power nearly two weeks after a deadly derecho storm. Residents and officials express outrage over the slow restoration efforts by NIPSCO. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northwest-indiana-power-outages-extend-into-second-week ### 2026-08-21: NIPSCO faces lawsuit and massive outages after severe Indiana storms Severe August 11 storms caused NIPSCO's largest power outage in Northwest Indiana history. Thousands remain without electricity, and a class-action lawsuit alleges utility negligence in vegetation management. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northwest-indiana-faces-historic-power-outages-after-severe-storms ### 2026-08-20: Indiana flooding causes agricultural losses and residential damage Flooding in Indiana has caused significant crop losses at Delaware County farms and extensive residential damage in Indianapolis, prompting rapid damage assessments for disaster relief. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-flooding-causes-agricultural-losses-and-residential-damage ### 2026-08-20: Indiana Governor coordinates flood recovery and federal aid request Indiana Governor Mike Braun is coordinating flood recovery efforts and preparing a federal disaster aid request after historic flooding caused millions in damage and left thousands without power. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-governor-coordinates-flood-recovery-and-federal-aid-request ### 2026-08-19: Northwest Indiana faces prolonged power outages following severe storms Severe storms in Northwest Indiana have left tens of thousands without power for over a week. NIPSCO is working to repair extensive grid damage, with full restoration in Gary not expected until August 25. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northwest-indiana-residents-face-ongoing-power-outages-after-deadly-storms ### 2026-08-17: Indiana flooding causes multiple deaths and widespread power outages Severe flooding in Indiana has caused multiple deaths, hundreds of evacuations, and left 300,000 homes without power. Governor Mike Braun has launched disaster relief funds as recovery efforts continue. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-flooding-causes-multiple-deaths-and-widespread-power-outages ### 2026-08-16: Gary residents face prolonged power outages after deadly storms Nearly 30,000 residents in Gary, Indiana, remain without power following a destructive derecho that hit Northwest Indiana on August 11, causing widespread outages and infrastructure damage. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gary-residents-face-prolonged-power-outages-after-deadly-storms --- Cite as: Severe storms, flooding, and utility investigations in IN. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/severe-storms-and-flooding-in-indiana