The National Weather Service is confirming that eight tornadoes hit the Northwest Indiana/Chicago area Wednesday March 19 2025. In Indiana, preliminary information indicates an EF-1 tornado and two EF-0 tornadoes touched down in Gary within about four minutes. Meteorologists say an EF-0 tornado hit Highland, Indiana, at 5:43 pm. The first Gary tornado, an EF-0, hit at 5:46 pm, followed by an EF-1 tornado a minute later, then a third tornado, rated EF-0, at 5:50 pm. Three EF-0 tornadoes were confirmed in northeast Illinois in rural southeastern Joliet, the east side of Frankfort, and in the Lynwood area in far southeastern Cook County, and an EF-1 tornado was confirmed to have hit the Steger, Illinois, area. Here is a link for more information at the National Weather Service Chicago website.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton has issued an executive order declaring a local disaster emergency in response to the severe weather event. A news release said immediate response measures include efforts to reduce flooding, clear roads and neighborhoods of dangerous debris, and remove storm-damaged structures that pose a threat to public safety. The city said impacts have been felt in neighborhoods from the Emerson community in the east to 21st and Clark in Tolleston to the west, with the hardest-hit area being the 21st Avenue corridor between Whitcomb and Hendricks, where several homes sustained significant damage. Roofs were torn off several homes and the roof of McCullough Academy on West 21st Avenue was peeled back and its gym and classrooms were also damaged. The city of Gary said it is mobilizing resources to provide relief and support to affected community members.
