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Deadly Tornadoes Ravage Northwestern Indiana and Kankakee, Illinois

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Two fatalities and widespread damage reported in Indiana and Illinois – An elderly couple was killed in Lake Village, Indiana, and buildings in Kankakee were leveled as supercell storms produced tornadoes on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press report [1].

Supercell thunderstorms generated at least four tornadoes – The National Weather Service office in Chicago confirmed that the intense storms spawned a minimum of four tornadoes across the region [3].

Hail up to six inches may have set a state record – Kankakee experienced exceptionally large hail, with one stone measuring six inches in diameter, prompting the weather service to note a possible new Illinois record [1].

Thousands left without electricity as utility poles fall – More than 4,300 customers remained without power Wednesday morning, down from a peak of over 11,000, after at least 70 utility poles were knocked down and many roads became impassable [1].

Officials warn against rescue attempts while crews work – Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran posted a video urging the public not to enter damaged areas, and rescue teams continue to free trapped residents; fewer than ten injuries have been reported [1].

Local businesses and homes suffer extensive destruction – A Family Dollar store, a gas station, Tholen’s Garden Center, and numerous homes were destroyed or heavily damaged, leaving residents like David Ferris and Cassidy Sinwelski recounting their experiences [1].

  • Scott McCord, Newton County Coroner – Confirmed the tornado killed an elderly couple in Lake Village, though names were not released.
  • Shannon Cothran, Newton County Sheriff – Told residents “Please do not come here. Do not try to help right now” in a video update.
  • Laurie Postma, Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department spokesperson – Reported fewer than ten people injured in Lake Village.
  • David Ferris, paramedic and Lake Village resident – Described sheltering “in our downstairs bathtub” and later helping rescue and treat the injured.
  • Jennifer Telford, 49, Lake Village resident – Said the town’s siren did not sound, only the out‑of‑town sirens, while hail battered her roof.
  • Kevin Birk, NWS Chicago meteorologist – Confirmed at least one tornado touched down near the Kankakee fairgrounds Tuesday evening.
  • Cassidy Sinwelski, 23, newlywed Kankakee resident – Recalled seeking shelter in a bathroom with plywood as the tornado struck, hearing “loud rumbles and the sound of shattering glass.”
  • Nancy Tholen, owner of Tholen’s Garden Center – Stated multiple buildings were destroyed, jeopardizing the business’s 50th‑year spring plans.
  • Kathleen Slavin, restaurateur and village trustee of Aroma Park – Observed “baseball‑sized hail” and centuries‑old trees toppled during the tornado.
  • Ruth Denoyer, 69, Aroma Park resident – Reported her garage and pool destroyed, with broken windows and glass everywhere, but still having a roof.

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