safety
Officials search tornado-damaged areas after strong storms hit Illinois and Indiana
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· June 12, 2026
· 3 min read
(AP) — Authorities and residents searched tornado-ravaged areas and assessed damage Friday after a strong line of storms barreled through communities south of Chicago, leaving around 380,000 customers without power in Illinois and Indiana and disrupting air travel in the region. There were no immedi
Key takeaway Officials in Merrillville, Indiana, about 33 miles (53 kilometers) southeast of Chicago, reported extensive damage.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami residents watching the storm damage in Illinois and Indiana may be reminded of their own vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes and flooding. The images of downed trees and power lines, as well as torn roofs and debris-filled streets, are all too familiar in South Florida. While tornadoes are less common in Miami, the city's low-lying neighborhoods, such as Miami Beach and Little Havana, are at risk of flooding and storm surges. The response of multiple agencies and local first responders in Illinois and Indiana is a testament to the importance of coordinated emergency preparedness, a lesson that Miami's own emergency management teams can appreciate. As Miami-Dade County continues to invest in flood mitigation and storm resilience, the aftermath of these storms serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing infrastructure improvements and community preparedness.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 12, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
newsletter" aria-label="Newsletter signup" style="margin:24px 0;padding:20px 24px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f 0%,#2d5a8c 100%);border-radius:10px;color:#fff">
Get more The Miami stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (AP) — Authorities and residents searched tornado-ravaged areas and assessed damage Friday after a strong line of storms barreled through communities south of Chicago, leaving around 380,000 customers without power in Illinois and Indiana and disrupting air travel in the region. There were no immedi
When was this published? This article was first published on June 12, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter