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Lake Village Today
By the People, for the People
Tornadoes Rip Through Illinois and Indiana, Killing 2
Severe storms and tornadoes cause widespread damage, with more storms on the way
Published on Mar. 11, 2026
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Major storms spawned tornadoes in parts of Illinois and Indiana on Tuesday, leveling homes and killing at least two people in the small northwestern Indiana community of Lake Village. Authorities reported multiple injuries and extensive damage, with a gas station, a Family Dollar store, and numerous homes destroyed. The storms also knocked down trees and power lines, leaving residents without power. More severe weather, including the threat of intense tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, is expected to move through the region on Wednesday.
Why it matters
Severe weather events like these tornadoes can have devastating impacts on local communities, causing loss of life, property damage, and disruption to infrastructure and services. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the frequency and intensity of such storms may increase, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience efforts.
The details
According to authorities, the tornadoes struck the small community of Lake Village in northwestern Indiana, leveling homes and killing at least two people. Fewer than 10 people were reported injured, with some suffering cuts, scrapes, and head injuries. The local Family Dollar store and a gas station were also destroyed, and multiple large trees were uprooted. In neighboring Illinois, a tornado struck near the Kankakee fairgrounds, causing extensive damage, though no injuries have been reported.
- The tornadoes struck on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
- Another round of severe storms, including the threat of intense tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, is expected to move through the region on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
The players
Shannon Cothran
Newton County Sheriff in Indiana.
Laurie Postma
Spokeswoman for the Lake Township Fire Department in Indiana.
Eric Rot
Indiana State Police Corporal.
David Ferris
A paramedic in a neighboring county who lives in Lake Village, Indiana.
JB Pritzker
Governor of Illinois.
What they’re saying
“'Please do not come here. Do not try to help right now,'”
— Shannon Cothran, Newton County Sheriff
“'We had another house where a guy crawled out. He was having some trouble breathing because he was covered in house insulation.'”
— David Ferris, Paramedic (The Associated Press)
“'Keeping in our thoughts all Illinoisans impacted by the severe weather — we'll be here to help them recover.'”
— JB Pritzker (X (social platform)
What’s next
Authorities will continue to assess the damage and provide updates on the recovery efforts. The National Weather Service will also conduct damage surveys to determine the exact number of tornadoes that formed.
The takeaway
This severe weather event highlights the increasing threat of powerful storms driven by climate change, and the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience efforts to protect vulnerable communities. The response and recovery efforts will be crucial in supporting those impacted by the tornadoes.
