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Lake Village Today
By the People, for the People
Tornadoes Devastate Indiana and Illinois
Powerful storms leave destruction, injuries, and at least two dead in the region
Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:19am
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Major storms spawned multiple tornadoes that ripped through northwest Indiana and northeastern Illinois on Tuesday, causing severe damage, injuries, and at least two fatalities. The hardest-hit areas were the towns of Lake Village, Indiana, and Kankakee, Illinois, where buildings were leveled, power lines were downed, and rescue operations were underway.
Why it matters
The tornadoes highlight the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change, which can have devastating impacts on local communities. This incident also raises questions about disaster preparedness and the need for improved early warning systems and emergency response measures.
The details
In Lake Village, Indiana, a tornado killed an elderly couple in their home. Rescue crews worked to free 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, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses, including a landscape and garden center that was destroyed. Large hailstones, some up to 6 inches in diameter, also caused significant property damage in the area.
- The storms struck on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.
- The tornadoes touched down in the late afternoon and evening hours.
The players
Lake Village
A town in northwestern Indiana, about 60 miles southeast of Chicago, that was hit hard by the tornadoes.
Kankakee
A city in northeastern Illinois where a tornado caused extensive damage, including to a landscape and garden center.
National Weather Service
The government agency that confirmed at least one tornado touched down in the Kankakee area.
David Ferris
A Lake Village resident and paramedic who helped rescue and treat injured people.
Cassidy Sinwelski
A newlywed in Kankakee who took shelter in her bathroom as the tornado struck her neighborhood.
What they’re saying
“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 (arkansasonline.com)
“I just kept crying out for God, because I didn't know what else to do.”
— Cassidy Sinwelski (arkansasonline.com)
What’s next
Authorities in Indiana and Illinois will continue search and rescue operations, assess the full extent of the damage, and work to restore power and clear debris from affected areas.
The takeaway
The tornadoes in Indiana and Illinois underscore the growing threat of severe weather driven by climate change, and the need for communities to invest in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure to protect lives and property.
