In Indiana, authorities confirmed at least seven storm-related deaths as of Sunday. Three of these fatalities occurred in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in the Chicago area, while others were reported in different parts of the state. Among the victims was a four-year-old boy in Jennings County, who was killed when a tree toppled onto his home in Geneva Township on Tuesday. The tree crashed through a back bedroom, trapping the child, while three other occupants of the house escaped unharmed. Additionally, a woman in Portage was killed in a house explosion that officials suspect was linked to the severe storms. Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on Friday, and federal authorities confirmed that the emergency conditions resulted from severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on August 11, 2026. Repairs continue in northwest Indiana, where nearly 150,000 customers remained without power as of Sunday afternoon.
The storms also affected neighboring states. In Jefferson County, Illinois, a reported tornado on Sunday, June 21, caused two deaths and five non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff Jeff Bullard identified the victims as 83-year-old Delores B. Shelton and 62-year-old Sarita L. Kimble, both of rural Mount Vernon. The victims were killed when the storm struck two single-wide trailer homes on North Ranch Lane and East July Road. Three residences were destroyed in the county, and many others sustained varying degrees of damage. A home in Texico also collapsed due to the suspected tornado. Emergency crews responded to multiple reports of damaged homes, downed trees, and power lines, and at least three roads were blocked by debris. Most power in the area has since been restored, and volunteer groups are assisting with cleanup.
In Wisconsin, the National Weather Service confirmed a tornado in Winnebago County, approximately 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. The storm swept through communities including Appleton and Menasha, splintering homes, downing trees, and knocking out power to more than 30,000 people. Video footage showed twisted metal and wood scattered across highways, with one warehouse appearing heavily damaged. Residents described the sky turning as dark as night during the event, creating an ominous atmosphere. A 4-year-old boy was also reported killed in Indiana on Tuesday when a tree fell on his home, a fact confirmed by local deputies who noted the unexpected nature of the tragedy.
The widespread impact of the weather systems has strained local resources, prompting a coordinated response. In the Chicago area, many residents remain in the recovery phase, with Lansing, Illinois, cited as one of the affected communities. The severity of the rainfall led to historic levels of precipitation, causing several rivers to burst their banks. Authorities in Indiana are working to confirm two additional reports of storm-related fatalities, which could raise the state’s death toll further. As of the latest updates, the focus has shifted to long-term repairs and infrastructure restoration, with federal support in place to aid the affected states in managing the aftermath of the extreme weather events.
