Thunderstorm Wind in LaPorte County, Indiana

A supercell came onshore from Lake Michigan at Michigan City with winds initially above 100 mph. Wind gusts to 75 mph were reported several miles inland as the storm continued south through Westville and Wanatah. Widespread tree, power poles and lines damage was observed from the lake shore to Westville. One minor injury was reported from a cleanup worker in Westville. 2 vehicles were destroyed as a result of falling trees. A police car in Westville suffered damage from a tree falling onto it. 2 miles north of Westville a semi was blown off the Indiana Toll Road with a train suffering damage as a result of the winds. Several buildings suffered roof damage, including several factories, homes and a prison. Damage figures are not complete, but initial estimates of damage on the land are at least $1.5 million.

A survey of rather extensive damage was performed across the county. An intense microburst with a path of 2 to 3 miles and estimated 100 mph winds was surveyed from Pine Lake northeast through Rolling Prairie. The most concentrated damage occurred at the start of the event, where enumerable trees were uprooted and snapped with roof damage to numerous homes. A lack of overall structure damage, outside of falling trees, suggested that the high winds remained at tree top level, roughly 30 to 50 feet. No specific damage value was available, but given the magnitude of the damage, an estimate of $750,000 will be assigned to the event.

Several trees and power lines down in the area, as well as a recorded 65 mph gust. Some of these trees fell onto occupied residences. Luckily no one was injured in any of these cases. However, one injury was reported when a tree split and a limb fell onto a County Deputy Coroner who was on a motorcycle. He suffered 2 broken bones in the lower part of his legs. At least $100,000 in damage is estimated from the storms.