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A series of powerful storms swept across the central United States, resulting in at least two fatalities in northwest Indiana. On Tuesday (March 10), a large tornado struck the community of Lake Village, causing extensive damage and leaving several people injured. According to CNN, Lori Postma, a spokesperson for the Lake Village Volunteer Fire Department, confirmed the deaths and described the scene as "total devastation."
The storm also impacted parts of Illinois, where a tornado tracked through Kankakee County. Drone footage revealed buildings torn apart and debris scattered across neighborhoods. Although no fatalities were reported in Illinois, seven people sustained minor injuries. Kankakee Mayor Christopher W. Curtis confirmed the damage and urged residents to check on neighbors while avoiding unnecessary travel.
In a statement, Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran advised against traveling to the affected areas, highlighting the destruction in Lake Village. Many roads remain impassable, and at least 70 utility poles were knocked down. Emergency crews are working to rescue people trapped in their homes and assess the damage.
The National Weather Service reported that the storms produced exceptionally large hail, with some stones measuring up to 6 inches in diameter. As the storms continue to move east, flash flooding and damaging winds remain a concern. More than 60,000 customers are without power across the affected regions.
As the severe weather threat persists, authorities have issued tornado watches for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that the state is monitoring the situation and will assist those impacted by the storms.