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GARY, INDIANA — Mayor Eddie Melton has declared a local disaster emergency for the City of Gary following the severe weather event that impacted the community on August 11, 2026.
The storm event brought thunderstorms that spawned tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy rainfall throughout Gary. The severe weather resulted in widespread damage, including downed trees and power lines, flooding, property damage, power outages, and damage to City infrastructure.
Immediately following reports of tornado and storm damage, the City deployed emergency response teams to assist residents, assess damage, and address immediate safety concerns. Preliminary assessments identified significant damage to homes, garages, schools, and other structures. Several properties sustained substantial structural damage, including missing roofs and structures that were blown from their foundations or damaged beyond repair. Numerous vehicles were also damaged by the storm and fallen trees.
The emergency declaration is authorized under Indiana Code 10-14-3-29(A), which permits the principal executive officer of a political subdivision to declare a local disaster emergency.
Under the declaration, the City of Gary will take necessary and reasonable measures to protect the public and respond to the ongoing impacts of the storm. These efforts include clearing roads and neighborhoods of debris, addressing or removing storm-damaged structures that pose an unacceptable risk to the public, providing necessary relief and assistance to residents, and taking other appropriate actions to address the emergency.
“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of Gary residents,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “We know many families and neighborhoods have been significantly impacted by this storm. Our emergency response teams and City departments are working to assess the damage, clear debris, address hazards, and connect residents with the assistance they need. We will continue working with our local, county, state, and federal partners as we respond to this emergency and begin the recovery process.”
The local disaster emergency declaration will remain in effect until the emergency has been abated, or for a maximum of seven days, at which time it will expire unless otherwise addressed in accordance with applicable law.
The City encourages residents to continue exercising caution in areas affected by the storm, particularly around downed power lines, damaged structures, fallen trees, and other hazardous conditions.
Media Contact:
Alexis Allen
Public Relations Manager
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