The Town of Merrillville sustained significant damage from the severe storm that moved through our region during the early evening hours of June 11, 2026. A large area stretching from Taft Street to Broadway and between 57th Avenue and 61st Avenue was heavily impacted.
While we are still awaiting official confirmation from FEMA and the National Weather Service as to whether the damage was caused by a tornado or straight-line winds, initial reports indicate tornadic activity.
From the moment the storm struck, town officials, public safety personnel, and emergency responders have been working tirelessly to assess damage, protect lives, and begin recovery efforts. Following the recommendation of our Fire Chief, who oversees emergency operations during natural disasters, I determined that emergency conditions existed and officially declared a Local Disaster Emergency for the Town of Merrillville.
The response from neighboring communities and organizations has been extraordinary. We have received offers of assistance from Hobart, Crown Point, Gary, Lake County, and many others. The American Red Cross mobilized last night to assist more than 200 displaced residents whose homes sustained damage. The Salvation Army is establishing operations near Town Hall to provide support services. In addition, our Fire and Police Chiefs are meeting with representatives from the State of Indiana, including staff from the Governor’s office and State Representative Michael Andrade, to coordinate additional resources and assistance.
To support cleanup efforts, the Town will be placing open-top dumpsters throughout affected neighborhoods for residents to dispose of storm-damaged belongings and debris. Areas sustaining significant damage include portions of the Bon Aire subdivision, Barclay Village, Andrean High School, and nearby apartment complexes.
NIPSCO crews remain on-site addressing downed power lines and other utility concerns. We have also engaged tree-service contractors to assist with debris removal and the clearing of roadways. Our immediate priority is to reopen all streets to traffic and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated Town employees. Many have worked nearly around the clock since the storm struck. Members of our Street Department worked through the night clearing debris, taking only a brief break before returning before dawn to continue recovery operations. Our Police and Fire Departments have once again demonstrated their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to keeping our community safe.
Employees from multiple Town departments have stepped forward to assist wherever needed. We will continue utilizing every available resource to support our residents and businesses during this recovery process. The declaration of a Local Disaster Emergency allows the Town to access additional assistance and funding resources that may not otherwise be available.
Most importantly, we are grateful to report that there have been no fatalities. While there have been injuries and storm-related medical incidents, all indications at this time are that residents and visitors remain safe.
I would also like to thank my fellow Town Council members for monitoring conditions throughout their districts, maintaining communication with residents, and assisting with recovery efforts. I am equally appreciative of the many elected officials, Ross Township Trustee, and other community leaders who have reached out and offered their support.
If you have not already done so, I encourage you to download the Town’s free MyMerrillville app, available for both iPhone and Android devices. It is one of the best ways to receive important updates, emergency information, community news, and notifications directly from the Town. Simply search in your app area for ‘MyMerrillville App’ and you can download it for free from your app store.
To those residents and businesses directly affected by this storm, please know that our thoughts are with you. Merrillville is a strong and resilient community. We will work together, support one another, and recover from this event.
Respectfully,
Rick Bella
Town Council President
Ward 5 Representative
