August 2026 Severe Weather Response

Severe weather moved quickly across Northwest Indiana on Tuesday, August 11, leaving communities throughout the region with widespread power outages, downed trees, flooding and significant storm damage. While Michigan City was fortunate to avoid some of the more severe impacts seen in surrounding communities, the storm has disrupted power, roadways and City services for thousands of our residents.

The City of Michigan City remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents throughout this event. Our elected officials and City staff have been working tirelessly since the storm began to keep City operations running as close to normal as possible.

This page serves as the City of Michigan City’s central source for storm recovery information. In addition to our social media platforms, updates will be posted below in reverse chronological order, with the most recent information appearing first.

PLEASE NOTE: Ongoing power outages and network issues may cause delays in updates to this webpage.

If you are in danger or experiencing an emergency, dial 911.

AUGUST 28 — STORM RELIEF FOOD DISTRIBUTION — SUNDAY AT PULLMAN PARK

The City of Michigan City’s Charitable Fund will provide nonperishable food boxes and household goods packages for residents affected by the recent storm and prolonged power outages during CHAMPS of the Storms, a community recovery event hosted by C.H.A.M.P. Inc.
Sunday, Aug. 30
2–5 p.m.
 Pullman Park, 550 W. 4th St.
The event is open to the public and will bring together organizations and volunteers offering support to Michigan City families impacted by the derecho.
The City’s distribution will include:
Nonperishable food boxes
Small household goods packages with items including laundry pods, cleaning supplies and paper products
In addition, CHAMPS of the Storm will include:
Free haircuts for school-age children
 Collection of nonperishable food and supplies, including laundry detergent, batteries and flashlights
 Community resources and support
 Volunteer and donation opportunities
We’re grateful to C.H.A.M.P. Inc. for bringing the community together for this event, to the volunteers who are giving their time to help serve our neighbors, and to the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, Health Foundation of LaPorte, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, and Onesource for supporting the City’s storm relief outreach and helping us provide food and essential household items to families across Michigan City.
Please share and help us spread the word to anyone who could use a little extra support as Michigan City continues to recover.

AUGUST 26 — FEMA has announced that the Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Braun for Indiana has been approved.

AUGUST 25 — President Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana; LaPorte County Designated for Individual and Public Assistance

AUGUST 25 — SNAP Replacement Benefits

I am pleased to share that LaPorte County has been added to the list for SNAP recipients impacted by the recent severe weather to request emergency replacement benefits. Residents affected by recent severe storms and power outages have an extended deadline through August 31, 2026, to request replacement SNAP benefits for spoiled food.
Households that receive SNAP benefits will need to submit an affidavit detailing food losses for replacement benefits. The affidavit and the FSSA Benefits Portal may be accessed at https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance/
The affidavit also may be faxed to 888-436-9199 or may be taken to a local FSSA Office. The request must be submitted on or before August 31, 2026.
Thank you to Senator Banks and Congressman Mrvan’s offices for their assistance in modifying the waiver.
Mayor Angie

AUGUST 24 — Michigan City Continues Storm Debris Pickup

Still have branches or tree debris from the storm? Here’s how to make sure it’s ready for pickup.
– Place it out front. Put storm-related tree limbs, branches and brush in a compact pile in the easement or parkway near the road, but not in the roadway.
– Don’t use the alley. Even if your normal trash is collected there, storm debris should be placed at the front of your property.
– Leave some room. When possible, keep debris away from parked vehicles or other obstructions. Double-check that no limbs or branches extend into the road or create a traffic hazard.
– Let us know it’s there. City crews are already out looking for storm debris, but once your address is ready for pickup, you can report it to Central Services at (219) 873-1500. Please wait to call until your debris is out and ready to be collected.
Central Services
(219) 873-1500
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Storm debris pickup is available to residents within the civil city limits of Michigan City.
Thank you for helping our crews work safely and efficiently as cleanup continues!

AUGUST 19 — Power Restoration Coordination Call with NIPSCO

Good afternoon, Michigan City. This morning I joined a coordination call with NIPSCO leadership, area mayors, and local officials to get a direct update on power restoration across our region. Here is what I can share with you:

What Happened

This storm was a derecho, essentially an inland hurricane, with sustained winds over 100 mph. NIPSCO’s own team, many of whom have worked hurricanes across the South, said the damage rivals what they have seen in major hurricane restoration. At the peak, more than 400,000 customers across NIPSCO’s territory lost power. LaPorte, Lake, and Porter counties took the brunt of it.

What NIPSCO Is Doing

They have over 2,500 people working restoration right now, including crews brought in from across the country, housed at a base camp at Southlake Mall. Nearly 300 vegetation crews are clearing trees off lines. Crews are working 16-hour days. As of this call, they are at about 80 percent restored across all outages.

What Comes Next

NIPSCO committed to releasing community-specific restoration estimates daily going forward, not just a regional number. Priority order is medical facilities and critical infrastructure first, then large customer counts, then commercial and residential. They are aiming to get the large majority of customers back on by the end of this week, with a smaller number extending into the weekend.

A Few Things I Need You to Know

If you see a downed line, assume it is live. Do not touch it and do not let contractors or crews try to move it. Report it right away.

If your power is on around you but not at your house, it may be a wire, meter, or weatherhead issue specific to your home. NIPSCO is compiling a list of certified electricians, including through the Indiana Electricians Union, to help residents get weatherhead repairs done quickly. A damaged weatherhead is the homeowner’s responsibility to repair before power can be restored to that connection.

Clearing tree debris off roadways helps crews get to lines faster. Please do not attempt to clear anything touching a power line yourself.

I will keep pushing NIPSCO for community-specific numbers. At this time we have 357 locations without power. Thank you for your patience. Eight-plus days without power is not something any of us take lightly, and I am staying on this until every one of our residents is back on.

— Mayor Angie

 

AUGUST 18 — WATER AND DEBRIS REMOVAL ASSISTANCE

Michigan City, I want to share a few resources that are available as our community continues recovering from last week’s storm. According to NIPSCO, more than 300 Michigan City customers are still without power, with affected homes and businesses scattered throughout the city. If you are among them or you otherwise need bottled water, we have cases available for you at City Hall.
The water is set up in the lobby outside the Mayor’s Conference Room. Please come in and take what you need. It is self-serve and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We simply ask everyone to be considerate of their neighbors and limit themselves to one or two cases.
Because the Common Council meets tonight at 6:30 p.m., City Hall will remain open until the meeting is over, giving you some extra time to stop in.
My office has also connected with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, a national, faith-based organization operated entirely by volunteers. Volunteers from across the Midwest are here in LaPorte County helping residents clear fallen trees and storm debris from their yards, and they are providing this assistance free of charge.
They are currently working through the requests submitted to 2-1-1, so if you need help, please call 2-1-1 first to have your property added to the list. You may also contact Denny Smith directly at 574-780-5157.
On behalf of the City of Michigan City, I want to personally thank Denny and all the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers who have traveled here to help our community. Your generosity and willingness to serve mean so much to us.
Our City crews also remain out across Michigan City, clearing trees and debris, repairing damaged infrastructure and responding to the many needs created by the storm. I am deeply grateful for the long hours they continue to put in, and for the patience, kindness and cooperation our residents have shown throughout this recovery.
We still have work ahead of us, but we are getting through it together.
—Mayor Angie

AUGUST 15 — COMMUNITY MEAL DISTRIBUTION

As Michigan City continues to recover from this week’s storm, Mayor Angie has organized a free boxed-lunch distribution for the community beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, in the parking lot outside Gill Field.
Please enter at Pine and Ripley streets. Meals will be available while supplies last.
We are especially grateful to The Salvation Army for allowing us to use their air-conditioned food truck for Sunday’s distribution – and, even more importantly, for the incredible work their team has done all week serving meals at its Michigan City location and throughout La Porte County.
Thank you as well to Aperion Care Arbors Michigan City, which worked with the City to provide shelter for our elderly and medically vulnerable residents who lost power and needed a safe place to stay.
And we cannot say enough about our City of Michigan City crews, who have been on the job from early mornings until well into the nights and throughout this weekend clearing fallen trees and storm debris, collecting trash, repairing damaged infrastructure and doing everything possible to keep our community moving forward.
Finally, thank you, Michigan City.
Thank you to the residents and businesses who opened their doors, shared what they had, checked on neighbors and welcomed people who came here from surrounding communities that were hit even harder than we were.
This has been a difficult week for our entire region, but once again, Michigan City has shown what it means to be a community.
Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your support. And most of all, thank you for taking care of one another.

AUGUST 14 — STORM RECOVERY UPDATE

POWER RESTORATION

NIPSCO reports 2,997 Michigan City customers remain without power, down from approximately 7,385 on Tuesday evening.

For those still without power, we know recovery cannot come quickly enough.

GENERATOR SAFETY

If you’re using a generator, please keep it outside and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents. Never operate one in a garage or other enclosed space. Carbon monoxide has no color or smell and can be fatal. Make sure your home has a working CO detector.

Never connect a generator to a household outlet to power your home. Doing so can send electricity back onto utility lines and put crews working to restore power in danger. If a generator needs to be connected to your home’s electrical system, have a licensed electrician properly install a transfer switch.

More on generator safety from NIPSCO: https://www.nipsco.com/outages/power-outages/generator-safety

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The YMCA (Elston Location) is offering showers (provide photo ID,) as well as charging stations for those who need to charge phones and other essential devices.

Emergency meals and snacks will be available at 1:30 p.m. today, August 14.

The YMCA (Elston Location) will be open until 8 p.m. tonight and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, August 15.

MEDICAL NEEDS & EMERGENCY SHELTER

If you have a medical condition and need temporary medical shelter due to the ongoing power outages, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 219-873-1400 so we can help connect you with available assistance.

NOTE: If you are experiencing a medical emergency or need immediate emergency care, dial 911.

COOLING CENTERS:

The following locations are available for residents who need a safe place to cool down:
Michigan City City Hall
100 E. Michigan Blvd.
Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Michigan City Police Department
1201 E. Michigan Blvd.
Open 24/7
Michigan City Fire Administration Building
2510 E. Michigan Blvd.
Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

FUEL

Gas stations with power continue to receive regular fuel deliveries. Residents should plan for longer lines or temporary delays at some locations as our community and the surrounding region continue to recover.

LOCAL BUSINESSES

We’ve been speaking directly with business owners across the City. Power outages continue to affect the ability of some businesses to open, maintain adequate staffing and serve customers. As power is restored, we encourage you to support our local businesses when possible and be patient with those doing their best to serve the community.

WELNETZ ROAD

Welnetz Road remains blocked by storm-related hazards. City crews are prepared to address the obstruction as soon as NIPSCO determines the area is safe for our crews to begin work.

LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER

Please continue to be patient and kind—to your neighbors and to those coming into Michigan City to care for family and loved ones. Keep checking on one another and offering a helping hand where you can.

Mayor Angie

August 13 — Refuse Collection Update

We know many residents are still waiting for their trash to be collected following this week’s severe weather.

Our Refuse team is ready and able to collect trash. The current challenge is what happens after it is collected. Several of the City’s waste partners and facilities that receive our trash have been impacted by the storm, limiting where and how much collected trash can be received. Therefore, our ability to collect City trash at normal volumes has been impacted.

We are actively working with our partners to navigate these challenges and will continue making as many collections as circumstances allow, including through the weekend.

We understand the inconveniences that come with a missed or delayed pickup, especially as our community recovers from the storm. That’s why our crews are working extended hours to get the job done.

What Residents Should Do

Regardless of your normal pickup day, if your trash has not yet been collected this week, please leave your toter out at its normal pickup location. Crews will continue to follow a structured collection order and will collect your trash as soon as circumstances allow.

Once your trash has been collected, please remove your toter from the curb as normal.

Citations related to toters remaining curbside outside of normal collection windows have been suspended during this period.

Thank you for your understanding. We will continue to provide updates as circumstances improve.

August 12 — Storm Recovery Update

City crews are working together to address downed trees, debris in roadways, standing water and other impacts from Tuesday’s severe storm.

Tree and Debris Removal

Trash and compost collection were suspended Wednesday so Refuse Department employees could assist the Street Department with clearing downed trees and storm debris.

Vector Control is also assisting, and crews from all three departments will continue working through the weekend to clear debris and keep roadways open.

The adjusted collection schedule announced Wednesday was:

  • Thursday’s trash scheduled for collection Friday.
  • Friday’s trash scheduled for collection Saturday.

Please note: Refuse operations have since been further impacted by storm-related disruptions affecting the City’s waste partners. See the August 13 Refuse Collection Update above for the most current collection information.

Downed Power Lines

The City received numerous reports of trees down on power lines and is aware of affected locations. The City remains in contact with NIPSCO, whose crews are addressing sites involving electrical lines.

City crews are placing barricades at affected locations. Residents should never approach or attempt to move a downed power line. Stay well away from these areas and obey all barricades.

Standing Water Near Knapp School

The lift station near Knapp School lost power during the storm. Michigan City Sanitary District crews responded with a generator and began clearing inlets.

Crews are addressing standing water in streets in the area. Residents should avoid driving through standing water whenever possible.

Transit Service

Michigan City Transit is operating its regular bus schedule. Riders should allow additional travel time and be prepared for possible storm-related delays.

August 11 — 5:00 PM Update

In just a few hours, Michigan City crews made significant progress clearing major obstructions and restoring road access throughout the City.

With high-traffic roadways addressed, crews shifted their focus to residential roads and side streets.

Reports indicated Michigan City may have experienced less storm damage than some surrounding communities. At the time of the update, an estimated 7,385 residents remained without power. Residents were encouraged to continue reporting outages to NIPSCO to help accurately assess damage and coordinate repairs.

Residents were also encouraged to check on their neighbors, especially seniors and those who may need assistance. A quick knock on the door can help make sure everyone is safe.

We thank our City crews, Police, Fire and other personnel for their quick response and continued work.

August 11 — Initial Severe Weather Response

As the City continued to see the effects of severe weather that quickly developed over Michigan City, residents were urged to remain cautious and alert to changing conditions.

Residents were advised to stay away from downed power lines and treat all lines as live and dangerous. Power outages and downed lines should be reported directly to NIPSCO.

As soon as conditions became safe, Michigan City crews began surveying damage, clearing debris and addressing impacted areas. Several fallen trees were blocking roadways, and the City coordinated alternative routes to maintain access for first responders.

Residents were asked to give crews and first responders space to work and remember to slow down and move over.

During the immediate response, residents who needed a safe place to shelter were directed to the following City facilities:

  • Michigan City City Hall — 100 E. Michigan Blvd.
  • Michigan City Fire Administration — 2510 E. Michigan Blvd.
  • Michigan City Police Department — 1201 E. Michigan Blvd.

Residents should continue to use caution and avoid hazardous or barricaded areas as recovery work continues.

Published On: August 11, 2026