Indiana Storm and Flood Recovery Resources

Last Updated Aug. 21, 2026

Severe storms that began August 11 brought historic flooding, tornadoes, destructive winds, and widespread power outages across Indiana. At least seven storm-related deaths have been reported, and thousands of people have been displaced or left dealing with damaged homes, spoiled food, closed schools, and extended utility outages.

The impact remains especially severe in Gary and Northwest Indiana. More than a week after the storms, tens of thousands of residents were still without electricity, with some families entering a second week without power. Residents have reported losing food, struggling to keep medications and medical equipment functioning, searching for places to charge phones, and relying on community meal distributions and cooling centers.

On August 21, Indiana formally requested an expedited major disaster declaration from FEMA. That request is part of the process for making additional federal assistance available; residents should not assume FEMA individual assistance is available unless and until a declaration covering their area is approved.

State Disaster Relief Fund

Indiana has opened the State Disaster Relief Fund for eligible Hoosiers impacted by the August 11 severe weather and flooding. Emergency assistance grants of up to $5,000 may be available to help with immediate needs such as clothing and uninsured medical devices. Learn more about the fund here.

Important: Reporting your damage through 211 does not automatically apply you for financial assistance. You must complete the separate State Disaster Relief Fund application if you are seeking assistance.

Replace Food Purchased with SNAP

If you lost food purchased with SNAP benefits because of flooding or a prolonged power outage, you may be able to have those benefits replaced.

Call 1-800-403-0864 or complete and submit State Form 40988 either to the Indiana FSSA Benefits Portal or at a nearby Indiana Division of Family Resources office.

Power Outages and Downed Lines

• Check NIPSCO’s outage map for restoration updates in areas served by NIPSCO.
• If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and report it to NIPSCO at 800-464-7726.
• Residents served by another utility should check directly with their provider for outage and restoration information.

Shelters and Cooling Centers

• For current shelter information, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
• Indiana also maintains a statewide list of cooling centers. Local availability can change as power is restored, so check before traveling whenever possible.

Road Closures and Travel Conditions

Before traveling through storm-affected areas:

• Check 511 Indiana for road conditions and closures.
• Check Indiana’s Travel Advisory Map for county-level travel warnings, watches and advisories.

Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.

FEMA and Federal Assistance

The President approved a federal Emergency Declaration for Indiana on August 15, allowing FEMA to support state and local response efforts. This is different from a Major Disaster Declaration that makes FEMA Individual Assistance available directly to households.

Residents should continue documenting damage and expenses and watch for updates from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and FEMA about any additional federal assistance that becomes available.

Recovery and Cleanup

• The American Red Cross provides disaster recovery resources, including information about shelter, cleanup and recovering after a flood. Call 1-800-733-2767 for assistance.
• Keep photos and videos of storm damage and save receipts for repairs, temporary housing, replacement items and other disaster-related expenses. These records may be important when seeking insurance or disaster assistance.

Mental Health Support

Disasters, displacement and prolonged power outages can take a toll. Support is available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Disaster Distress Helpline: Crisis counseling and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters Call or text 800-985-5990 (Spanish: press "2") or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746. Available 24/7 with support in 100+ languages

Stay Informed

For statewide updates, check:

• Indiana Department of Homeland Security — August 2026 Disaster Information Hub
• Indiana 211
• FEMA
• American Red Cross (Indiana Region)
• Indiana Department of Transportation Travel Information
• Your county or city emergency management agency
• Your local utility provider

Information and available resources are changing as recovery continues, so verify hours, eligibility and availability before traveling to a resource location.

If you are not sure where to turn, call 211 or 1-866-211-9966.
Indiana 211 can connect Hoosiers with local help for:

• Emergency shelter and housing
• Food
• Utility assistance
• Transportation
• Health care
• Financial assistance
• Other immediate needs

You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or search for resources online.

Northwest Indiana continues to face widespread storm damage and prolonged power outages, particularly in Lake County. Gary has been among the hardest-hit communities, with thousands of residents going more than a week without electricity. Below are resources for Gary, Lake County, Porter County and surrounding communities.

Indianapolis/Marion County

• Mirror Indy Flood Relief Resources
• City of Indianapolis Flood Resources
• Indianapolis Foundation Flood Relief Webpage
• WISH-TV Flood Relief Guide
• Donations: Indianapolis Flood Relief Fund

Hamilton County

• Hamilton County Emergency Management Flood Resources
• Hamilton East Public Library: Flood Recovery Resources
• Visit Hamilton County Flood Support
• Donations: Hamilton County Relief Fund | Donate physical items to Good Samaritan Network.

Delaware County/Muncie

• Delaware County Flood Recovery Resources
• Delaware County Webpage

Additional impacted areas are encouraged to refer to their local county and municipal website for updates in addition to the statewide resources listed above.