Valparaiso Declared Disaster Area Following Severe Storms & NIPSCO Update

The City of Valparaiso, in conjunction with Porter County, has been declared a disaster area following the severe storms that swept through the region Tuesday, August 11. The declaration allows emergency management and local officials to coordinate resources, document damage and pursue additional assistance as appropriate. 

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas has been closely monitoring the storm cleanup and disaster declaration process while actively working each day with NIPSCO and other regional partners to help restore power to Valparaiso residents. 

“I am incredibly proud of our city employees and first responders. Their grit and dedication, combined with backup generators, have allowed us to continue all essential services without interruption,” said Mayor Jon Costas. “The Valpo team has worked tirelessly since the storm began, and many of them are coming to work from homes that are still without power, with debris in their own yards and refrigerators that aren’t working. Yet they show up and take care of our community. We have had zero call-offs, and that speaks volumes about the dedication of these extraordinary people.” 

At the height of the storm, approximately 29,000 customers in the 46383 and 46385 ZIP codes were without power. That number has now decreased to approximately 17,000, as NIPSCO crews continue their restoration efforts. Per NIPSCO, “Based on the damage assessments completed to date, 90% of impacted customers should be restored by Tuesday August 18, 2026 and 100% of customers can be “safely” restored by Friday August 21, 2026.” Refer to Restoration Press Release from NIPSCO. 

The City of Valparaiso’s public works and other crews responded immediately following the storm, opening major thoroughfares within approximately four hours and beginning the extensive process of removing storm debris. To date, the City has collected approximately 300 tons of debris. 

“Valparaiso fared better than some of our neighboring communities, and we were grateful to be in a position to provide mutual aid,” Costas said. “During the height of the storm, we saw communities around us in greater need than we were. Our first responders were able to assist our friends in Portage following a tragic fire that required immediate assistance.” 

In addition to fire and EMS response, the Valparaiso Fire Department provided off-duty ambulance personnel to Northwest Health to assist with patient transports. “Our team members were proud to assist our neighbors while continuing to maintain solid coverage within our own community,” Costas said.

City Services Remain Fully Operational 

Despite widespread power outages, all essential City of Valparaiso services have remained fully operational at all times, utilizing backup generators where necessary. 

The City continues to prioritize public safety, emergency response, critical infrastructure and the removal of hazardous debris, including downed trees and limbs.

Residents Encouraged to Report Storm Damage

Residents and businesses throughout Porter County who experienced storm-related damage are encouraged to report their damage to Indiana 211, even if the damage is already being addressed or is covered by insurance. 

Reporting damage helps emergency management officials document the scope and severity of the disaster and can assist in determining whether additional state or federal resources may become available.

Residents can report damage through Indiana 211 by calling (866) 211-9966 or online at on.in.gov/IN-211. 

Damage reporting is not an application for financial assistance. The information collected will help identify the location, nature and severity of damage and assess community needs. If assistance becomes available for a specific need, residents may be contacted. 

Residents should also contact their insurance company to report damage and begin the claims process. Before beginning repairs, residents are reminded to consult their local permitting official regarding any required permits.

Assessments by Porter County Emergency Management

Porter County Emergency Management (PCEM), along with Indiana Department of Homeland Security personnel, are conducting damage assessments of damaged structures and properties throughout Porter County until Friday, August 14, 2026 and PCEM will continue these assessments until further notice. Assessments are simple evaluations of severity and require a very brief visit. Personnel conducting assessments will have appropriate credentials and will provide them upon request. 

Safety Remains the Priority 

As cleanup and restoration continue, residents are urged to use extreme caution. 

Stay away from downed power lines and assume every power line is energized. Do not touch or approach downed wires, and keep children and pets away from them. Residents should also use caution around damaged trees, debris and other storm-related hazards. 

“We know there is still a great deal of work ahead, particularly for residents who remain without power or are dealing with significant property damage,” Costas said. “We ask everyone to continue to be patient, look out for one another and, most importantly, stay safe. Our city team will continue working around the clock, alongside our utility and regional partners, until our community is back on its feet.” 

The City of Valparaiso extends its gratitude to its employees, first responders, public safety partners, public works crews, utility workers, volunteers and neighboring communities for their extraordinary efforts throughout the storm response and recovery. 

For emergencies, call 911. For storm damage reporting, contact Indiana 211 at 1-866-211-9966 or use the online reporting system.