Cleanup continues after EF-2 tornado destroys homes, downs trees and power lines in Merrillville
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Recovery efforts are continuing in several communities on Saturday after severe storms this week.
One of the most devastated areas is Merrillville, Indiana, where an EF-2 tornado left a trail of destruction on Thursday.
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Merrillville town leaders say at least 200 homes and buildings were either damaged or destroyed.
Officials say the storm cut a path through the South Side of the northwest Indiana city, leaving behind downed trees and power lines, debris, and flooding.
So far, there haven't been any reports of serious injuries as the neighbors and the community come together to help one another.
The only open Dominos in town is also stepping in to help. They donated free pizzas to crews who are out helping rebuild in Merrillville.
For those in need of a place to stay, Lincoln Community Center in Highland, Indiana is serving as a temporary shelter.
At seven confirmed tornadoes hit the Chicago area on Thursday.
- Kouts, Indiana: Preliminary EF-3
- Streator, Illinois: Preliminary EF-3
- Merrillville, Indiana: Preliminary EF-2
- Dwight, Illinois area: Preliminary EF-1
- Bartlett, Illinois: Preliminary EF-1
- Wenona, Illinois: Preliminary EF-1
- St. John, Indiana: Preliminary EF-0
The National Weather Service has completed surveys of damage for the EF-1 tornadoes in Bartlett and Wenona.
A survey crew is expected to head to Lake County, Indiana on Saturday to survey the Cedar Lake area and from Schneider northeastward toward Hebron, which is the first half of the rotation path associated with the Kouts tornado.
NWS Chicago may have a survey team assess damage in the Hickory Hills/Bridgeview area and the South Side of Chicago on Saturday as well, but those plans may be dependent on Saturday's thunderstorm potential.
Meanwhile, Ald. Michael D. Rodriguez said 10 streets and sanitation crews will be out in the 22nd Ward on Saturday to pick up debris.
