Tornadoes kill 2 in northwestern Indiana, raze buildings in Kankakee, Illinois

Major storms spawned multiple tornadoes, causing destruction and leaving thousands without power.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Powerful storms and tornadoes swept through northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana on Tuesday, killing at least two people in Lake Village, Indiana, and causing widespread damage in Kankakee, Illinois. The storms leveled buildings, knocked down power lines, and trapped some residents in their damaged homes. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and searching for any additional victims.

Why it matters

Tornadoes are a serious threat in the Midwest, and this event highlights the need for effective early warning systems and disaster preparedness plans to protect vulnerable communities. The destruction in Kankakee and Lake Village also raises concerns about the impact of extreme weather events on local businesses and infrastructure.

The details

In Lake Village, Indiana, a tornado killed an elderly couple in their home. Crews rescued some trapped residents, and at least 70 utility poles were knocked down, leaving many roads impassable. In Kankakee, Illinois, a tornado touched down near the fairgrounds before moving northeast into the suburb of Aroma Park, causing extensive damage. The storms also produced exceptionally large hail, with some pieces up to 6 inches in diameter, potentially setting a new state record.

  • The storms struck on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The tornado that hit Lake Village, Indiana, occurred on Tuesday evening.

The players

Newton County Coroner Scott McCord

The coroner who confirmed the deaths of an elderly couple in Lake Village, Indiana.

Sheriff Shannon Cothran

The Newton County sheriff who provided updates on the situation in Lake Village.

Laurie Postma

A spokesperson for the Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department, who reported that less than 10 people were injured in Lake Village.

Nancy Tholen

The owner of Tholens' Garden Center in Kankakee, Illinois, whose business was heavily damaged by the tornado.

Kathleen Slavin

A restaurateur and village trustee in Aroma Park, Illinois, who witnessed the destruction caused by the tornado.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The National Weather Service is continuing to assess the strength and number of tornadoes that struck the region, and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio remain under a tornado watch on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This severe weather event underscores the need for robust emergency preparedness and response systems in communities vulnerable to tornadoes and other extreme weather. Ensuring effective early warning systems, disaster planning, and community resilience can help mitigate the impact of such devastating storms.