The explosion happened in Portage near the corner of Harrison Avenue and Jefferson Street. Portage police said first responders had a delayed response to the scene due to widespread storm damage, debris, and hazardous conditions.
Police and fire officials are investigating the cause of the explosion, which appears to be weather-related. During a press conference on Tuesday evening, police said there have been gas leaks in the city.
1 dead after NW Indiana home explodes as tornado-warned storm moves through
Portage's mayor has issued an emergency declaration due to the storms and said some residents are being evacuated amid downed power lines. An emergency center has been established at City Hall, 6070 Central Ave.
SEE ALSO | Track power outages in your area with the ABC7 Chicago Power Outage Tracker
The City of Portage also asked the public to avoid unnecessary travel to allow emergency personnel, utility crews, and other responders the space necessary to safely perform their duties.
Wide swaths of trees were knocked down in Portage, and a large, downed tree could be seen burning in Gary at 29th Place near Gerry Street.
Large, downed tree burns in Gary after strong storms sweep through area
The Gary Community School Corporation will be closed on Wednesday due to school building conditions.
The Duneland School Corporation is said the first day of school, scheduled for Wednesday, has been canceled.
DSC cited "severe storm damage throughout the community, including impassable roads, power outages, and flooding."
The Town of Chesterton's Facebook page will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Near Lowell, Indiana, a semi rolled over, blocking part of Interstate 65.
I-65 closed in both directions north of I-94 due to downed power lines
North of Interstate 94, I-65 is closed in both directions due to downed power lines.
Semi rolls over on I-65, blocking lanes
Maryanne Reid, who works inside a warehouse in Highland, provided ABC7 with a video showing Styrofoam that was being used for roof repair flying on top of cars.
Some cars were still buried with their windows damaged on Tuesday afternoon. Reid said she and her coworkers ran for cover.
"That weather came in, it just it just ripped it all off," she said. "This is probably the most intense storm I saw."
In Lake Station, Indiana, an entire neighborhood suffered significant storm damage. Families told ABC7 they are counting their blessings.
"I was glad that they weren't here, because probably a death would have happened," said Kelly Hounshell. "The whole house is destroyed. The tree went from the back all the way through the front, the kitchen, living room, and the bathroom, and that's where they spend most of their time while they're here is in the living room and in the kitchen. So, I'm just glad that they weren't here."
Hounshell said there were multiple animals inside the home during the storms. ABC7 was there when they pulled out two unharmed puppies.
The Town of Munster is assessing storm damage and encouraged residents to proceed with caution.
Munster officials asked residents to report downed power lines to NIPSCO at 1-800-464-7726.
Public Works and Munster Police are coordinating to asses the damage and begin repair efforts.
The National Weather Service is sending survey teams to southern Cook County in Illinois and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.