Multiple tornadoes battered communities outside Chicago on Thursday, leveling homes and ripping down trees and power poles, while storms grounded flights for some and knocked out power for hundreds of thousands in the Midwest and Northeast.
As a large column of air descended on Merrillville, Indiana, a town about 33 miles southeast of Chicago, the city’s police warned residents to take cover. By the evening, downed trees and power lines blocked the streets, homes were torn up and part of a high school’s roof was ripped off.
🌪 Merrillville, Indiana Tornado Damage🌪️A destructive tornado tore through Merrillville, Indiana, on June 11, 2026, causing severe damage across the area. Reports indicate 10–20+ homes were heavily damaged, with some homes partially wiped out, cars tossed, gas leaks reported,… pic.twitter.com/aRZBkBq0nb
— Chicago & Midwest Storm Chasers (@ChicagoMWeather) June 12, 2026
Meanwhile, emergency crews were in the nearby manufacturing and farm city of Streator, Illinois, as the community reeled from tornado damage. A reunification center for displaced residents was set up in its city hall and the Red Cross opened a shelter…