(LAKE VILLAGE.) - Two people are dead after an apparent tornado struck the northwest Indiana community of Lake Village Tuesday evening.
Newton County Sheriff S.L. Cothran and officials with the Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department say the storm hit the area shortly before 7 p.m., causing major destruction. Fire officials described the damage as a "direct hit," with multiple homes destroyed.
Emergency crews confirmed the two fatalities during a press conference Wednesday. Several other people were also seriously injured in the storm.
Local officials arranged for North Newton High School to open as a temporary shelter, sending a school bus to bring displaced residents to the building for the night.
The Indiana Task Force 1 search-and-rescue team has been deployed to help with response and recovery efforts.
Storm reports show the system moved through Kankakee County, Illinois, before crossing into Indiana. Officials in Illinois reported nine injuries from the same storm but no deaths.
Governor Mike Braun said he and his wife are praying for the Hoosiers affected by the severe weather as recovery efforts continue.