On 10 March 2026, a series of violent tornadoes swept through parts of Illinois and Indiana, leaving devastation in their wake. Tragically, two lives were lost in Newton County, Indiana, as a powerful storm system unleashed a wave of destruction across the region.
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In a statement released the following day, the Newton County Coroner’s Office detailed the unfortunate deaths of an elderly couple whose home was completely destroyed during the tornado’s onslaught. Their residence, situated in the 8000 block of County Road 600 West, was directly hit. Authorities have withheld the names of the deceased to allow for proper identification and the notification of their next of kin.
The tornadoes were tracked as a result of intense supercell thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago, the system consisted of multiple storms exhibiting deep, persistent rotation, which led to the formation of at least four tornadoes across Colorado. This included areas in Livingston and Kankakee counties in Illinois, as well as Newton, Jasper, and Starke counties in Indiana.
By 11 March, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that, despite the scale of the tornadoes, no further significant injuries had been reported. Rescue operations are ongoing, with local fire departments conducting searches for trapped individuals. In addition, approximately 4,321 customers were still without power as of Wednesday morning, reported Northern Indiana Public Service Company.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed his condolences after the tragedy. He said, “My wife and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones and for every Hoosier impacted by the devastating tornadoes in Northwest Indiana.” He praised the quick response of first responders, local officials, and the American Red Cross, who are providing support to the affected communities. Drawing attention to the ongoing severe weather, he urged residents to remain vigilant and to follow instructions from local authorities for their safety.
Alongside the tornadoes, the storm also produced exceptionally large hail, with reports of a hailstone measuring an astonishing six inches in diameter in Kankakee, which could potentially set a new record for the state of Illinois. Residents are advised to brace themselves for further severe weather conditions, as warnings remain in effect for several areas, including parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
The NWS has issued warnings stating that the risks of tornadoes and severe weather are expected to shift eastward, impacting regions in the Ohio Valley, the Mid-Atlantic, and towards the northern Gulf Coast. Weather experts caution that the coming days may see a continuation of damaging winds and large hail across these areas.
Local government officials, including Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis, have been proactive in alerting residents to another impending storm. He advised caution and urged residents to seek shelter, particularly as projections indicate the system could bring winds up to 60mph and damaging hail later in the day.
As the aftermath of the tornadoes continues to unfold, communities across the affected areas are coming together to assess the damage and provide support for those in need. Emergency services remain on high alert as they prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead in the coming days.