An EF-3 level tornado left damage in northwest Indiana’s Porter County after it touched down during severe storms that ripped across the region on Thursday, the National Weather Service confirmed.
NWS survey crews were sent out to assess damage from the storms on Friday morning and found EF-3 level tornado damage in Kouts, Indiana. An EF-3 tornado is one with winds between 136 to 165 mph, according to NWS.
NWS said early Friday that “multiple tornadoes impacted Illinois and northwestern Indiana” the day prior and that notable damage occurred in several areas, including near Streator, Illinois, Merrillville, Indiana, and Hebron, Indiana.
Residents in areas struck by the storms woke up to debris and devastation, with many homes flattened and power lines down in the areas hit worst.
“It’s like a war zone,” one resident told NBC Chicago as he surveyed the damage roughly 30 miles southeast of Kouts in Merrillville, Indiana.
In Merrillville, officials said “extensive damage” was reported across the town from the “devastating” storms.
A look at the damage from a suspected tornado in Merrillville, Indiana. Jorge DeSantiago reports.
“There are road closures throughout Merrillville due to downed trees and power lines. As of late Thursday, a command center has been established near 61st and Cleveland Street, and multiple agencies from as far as Illinois are assisting as first responders search and assess the damage,” a Facebook post from the town read. “Crews have started to clear roadways. Please stay clear of any fallen utility lines or damaged utility poles as these pose a serious safety risk. Call 911 for any emergencies.”
The crews are continuing to survey areas hit by the storms, including in Illinois in Dwight, Streator, and Bartlett, and intend to provide updates soon, including details on the track and intensity of each tornado.
NWS also confirmed an EF-1 level tornado struck central Livingston County, including near Dwight, Illinois.
“The tornado appeared to be largely in open fields limiting the number of structures impacted,” NWS said.
Though official numbers on injuries from the storms have not yet been announced, at least one person had to be rescued from the rubble of their home in Streator, Illinois, in a moment that was also caught on camera.
The rescue occurred after a man was found trapped in a pile of debris, video provided to NBC Chicago by a local photographer showed. He said he believed his leg may have been broken.
The powerful twister that struck Streator, Illinois, was also caught on video by several locals.
A path of damage was left behind by a tornado that blew through Streator, Illinois, on Thursday. NBC Chicago’s Natalie Martinez reports.
