Air Show Delayed, Repair Truck Shot At: Chicago’s Wild Weekend
Severe Storms Hit Chicago and Indiana: What Happened and What’s Next
The Big Picture
Important Point: This week brought historic rainfall and dangerous storms to the Chicago area and Indiana. Recovery is underway, but more rain is possible Sunday morning.
Think of it like a really bad week of weather that just won’t quit. Starting Tuesday, multiple rounds of strong storms slammed the region, causing flooding, power outages, and sadly, loss of life. Emergency crews are working around the clock, but the cleanup will take time.
What Happened: The Timeline
Tuesday–Wednesday: The Storms Hit Hard
- Multiple rounds of severe storms moved through the area
- Historic rainfall fell across Indiana
- Several rivers burst their banks (overflowed)
- Tornadoes and straight-line winds caused damage
Thursday–Friday: Emergency Declarations
- Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on Friday
- He spoke with President Donald Trump
- Presidential Emergency Declaration approved – this unlocks federal help
- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance for Indiana starting August 11, 2026
Friday Night: Danger for Utility Workers
- NIPSCO crew vehicle hit by gunfire in Gary, Indiana
- Happened around 1:30 a.m. Saturday on Rutledge Street
- Two workers in a small SUV were surveying storm damage
- Vehicle struck twice – no one injured
- Police investigating if it was targeted
Saturday: Recovery Continues
- NIPSCO paused work in Gary temporarily for safety
- Work resumed Saturday evening with extra police protection
- Gary Air Show cancelled for next weekend (first responders needed for cleanup)
- Chicago Air and Water Show delayed until noon due to weather
Sunday: More Storms Possible
- Potential storms 3 a.m.–8 a.m. Sunday in Chicago area
- After morning rain, rest of Sunday looks mostly dry
- Next week: limited rain chances – some relief!
The Human Impact
Sad Losses
- 6 deaths total in Indiana from the storms
- 3 deaths in Chicago-area counties: Lake, Porter, and LaPorte
- 3 deaths in other parts of Indiana
Power Outages & Frustration
- Many Northwest Indiana residents without power since Tuesday
- NIPSCO working on "historic restoration effort"
- Some residents frustrated by pace of repairs
- Gunfire incident caused temporary pause – added to delays
Important Point: Utility crews are there to help restore electricity to families. Violence against them is unacceptable and only slows down recovery for everyone.
Help Is Available
Federal Disaster Assistance (Indiana)
FEMA assistance can help with:
- Temporary housing
- Home repairs
- Other serious disaster-related needs
Cook County Damage Survey
If your home was damaged Tuesday/Wednesday in Cook County:
- Complete the online survey by August 24
- Survey Link
- This helps officials understand the damage and get resources
Weather Radar Links (Stay Informed)
| County/Area | Live Radar |
|---|---|
| Cook County | Cook County Radar |
| DuPage County | DuPage County Radar |
| Will County | Will County Radar |
| Lake County (IL) | Lake County Radar |
| Kane County | Kane County Radar |
| Northwest Indiana | NW Indiana Radar |
Summary
| What Happened | Current Status | What’s Next |
|---|---|---|
| Historic rainfall & storms Tue-Wed | 6 deaths in Indiana | More storms possible Sun 3-8 AM |
| Rivers flooded, widespread damage | FEMA aid approved for Indiana | Mostly dry Sunday afternoon |
| Power outages across NW Indiana | NIPSCO restoring power (paused briefly in Gary) | Limited rain next week = relief |
| Gary Air Show cancelled | Chicago Air & Water Show delayed Sat, continued | Complete Cook County damage survey by Aug 24 |
FAQ
Why was the Presidential Emergency Declaration important?
Answer: It’s like the federal government saying "We officially recognize this is a major disaster" and unlocking FEMA money and resources to help Indiana recover faster.
What does FEMA assistance actually cover?
Answer: Things like temporary housing if your home is unlivable, money for essential home repairs, and other serious needs caused by the storms. It’s not for everything, but it helps with the big stuff.
Why did NIPSCO pause work in Gary?
Answer: A crew’s vehicle was shot at while they were driving to assess storm damage. No one was hurt, but they paused to keep workers safe and let police investigate. Work resumed the same evening with extra police protection.
Should I be worried about Sunday’s storms?
Answer: Meteorologists are watching for a round of heavy rain early Sunday (3-8 AM). It’s not expected to be as bad as Tuesday’s storms, but stay weather-aware. The rest of Sunday looks much better!
How do I report storm damage to my home in Cook County?
Answer: Fill out the online survey by August 24. This helps the county document damage and request appropriate aid.
Stay Safe & Informed
- Watch local weather – especially Sunday morning
- Check radar links above for real-time updates
- Report damage if you’re in Cook County
- Be patient with utility crews – they’re working in dangerous conditions
- Never approach downed power lines – stay far away and call 911
Source: ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV) | Copyright © 2026