La Porte County officials remain optimistic through storm recovery efforts

LA PORTE, Ind. -- Tuesday’s derecho that swept through La Porte County has left powerlines down, schools closed, and families trying to find the essential resources they need without having power or running water.   

As day four of the storm cleanup presumed on Friday, the sound of work trucks filled the air, schools were completely empty, and residents were taking resources wherever they could find them.  

According to NIPSCO, just under 9,000 customers remain without power tonight in La Porte County. That's not even counting those using other energy companies.  

Still, with all of this going on, La Porte County Commissioner, Joe Haney remains optimistic about the direction in which cleanup efforts are headed.  

“It looks like they restored another 60,000 customers overnight,” Haney said. “Quite a few folks in La Porte County got power back. There are some though, like I said, areas like Union Mills are going to be out for quite a while. I would urge people still to continue to stay off the roads, as you’re going through most of these areas.” 

Commissioner Haney added that by the end of this evening (Friday), the seven remaining county roads which are blocked off should be re-opened as soon as power crews come out to clear them.  

Officials are also keeping an eye on the skies as more storms are expected to hit Michiana Saturday.