Valparaiso Continues Storm Recovery

Advocates for Remaining Power Restoration and Connects Residents with Financial Assistance

As Valparaiso enters its second weekend of recovery following the severe August 11 storm, City crews continue working extended hours to remove debris, restore public spaces and assist residents, while Mayor Jon Costas and local officials continue advocating for residents who remain without electricity. 

“We know how difficult this has been, especially for the residents who are entering Day 11 without power,” said Mayor Jon Costas. “I want our residents to know that we hear you, we understand your frustration and we are continuing to work on your behalf. While NIPSCO is responsible for power restoration, your local government has a responsibility to advocate for our community, and that is exactly what we are doing.” 

Continuing to Advocate for Power Restoration 

The City’s recent effort to collect addresses from residents who remain without power has provided valuable information to help identify and elevate remaining outages. The information submitted by residents was compiled and shared to assist in the restoration effort and contributed to a significant reduction in the number of remaining outages. 

Mayor Costas and City representatives continue communicating directly with NIPSCO regarding the remaining outages and are using resident-submitted information to help identify households still awaiting restoration. 

“We understand that an estimated restoration time of Wednesday at midnight came and went for some residents who are still sitting in the dark,” Costas said. “That is understandably disappointing. We are continuing to press for answers and for restoration of every remaining customer, and we will keep sharing important information as it becomes available.” 

Storm Debris Removal Continues 

City crews and contractors have made significant progress removing storm debris throughout Valparaiso, but the volume generated by this storm remains extraordinary. 

From August 11 through 8:53 a.m. August 21, the City has collected approximately 7,338 cubic yards of storm debris – equivalent to more than 1,800 tons.

For perspective: 

• August 2025: Approximately 2,043 cubic yards, or more than 500 tons, including logs.
• All of 2025: Approximately 35,305 cubic yards, or about 9,900 tons. 
• August 11–21, 2026: Approximately 7,338 cubic yards, or more than 1,800 tons, in just 10 days. 

The City also provided dumpsters at 1855 Joliet Road from August 14-16 for residents to dispose of storm related waste. Those dumpsters generated approximately 15.1 tons of trash, which the City hauled to the Transfer Station when it reopened August 17. 

City staff continue to work extended hours and will work through the weekend. The immediate focus will remain on storm debris collection in the hardest-hit areas. As conditions allow, the City anticipates transitioning back to a rotating collection schedule by zone early next week.

The City is also reviewing options for the next phase of debris management, including how collected tree debris can be processed and handled efficiently. 

“Our crews have been working incredibly hard, and I am grateful for every employee, contractor, utility worker, first responder and volunteer who has stepped up for Valparaiso,” Costas said. “The scale of this storm has been enormous but so has the response. We will continue this work until the job is done.”

State Disaster Assistance May Be Available 

Residents whose primary residences were affected by the August 11 disaster may also be eligible for assistance through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) State Disaster Relief Fund. 

According to IDHS, assistance is limited to uninsured damages to eligible items at a primary residence located in a jurisdiction that has issued a local disaster declaration (which includes Valparaiso). Impacted residents may qualify for emergency assistance grants of up to $5,000 to help meet essential needs, including clothing and uninsured medical devices, particularly when residents have been displaced from their homes. 

Residents are encouraged to visit the IDHS August Disaster Resource Hub for information about available resources and the State Disaster Relief Fund application: http://on.in.gov/August2026Disaster. 

Residents should also report storm damage to Indiana 211 by calling 211 or 866-211-9966 or visiting: http://in211.communityos.org/. 

Documenting storm damage, losses and expenses is important as residents navigate recovery and may be helpful if additional federal assistance, including FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, becomes available. 

The City of Valparaiso will continue working with county, state and federal partners to connect residents with available assistance and resources. 

“Our community has been through an incredibly difficult 11 days,” Costas said. “But Valparaiso has always been a community that takes care of one another. We are going to keep showing up, keep working and keep advocating for our residents. We will get through this together.” 

For additional information about storm recovery resources, residents may visit the City of Valparaiso’s storm recovery information page or contact the City with questions.