Northwest Indiana communities are assessing the damage left behind from Tuesday's severe storms.
A deadly house explosion is now being linked to the extreme weather in Portage, Indiana.
People in Portage, Indiana say they have never seen destruction like this.
Family members say an 86-year-old woman died in the explosion. Now, they are left looking for keepsakes in the ruins on Harrison Avenue.
The Portage Fire Department responded to the home and found it flattened. According to authorities, the victim's son, who is also a firefighter, heard the call for help and arrived as first responders found his mother.
Neighbor Bryan Parker said the woman's husband was at a doctor's appointment when the explosion occurred.
"She was a nice person. She loved her dog a little bit too much. The dog was way overweight that was a joke around the neighborhood, and they were friendly and well kept people. No problems at all with them," neighbor Bryan Parker said.
City leaders issued an emergency declaration as cleanup begins and as authorities investigate what sparked the deadly house explosion.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun encouraged drivers to get gas in Illinois if possible due to the power outages.
The Indiana governor urged people to drive to Illinois to get gas due to power outages.
Gov. Braun will join other leaders to assess the storm damage in Hammond on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
SEE ALSO | Next round of storms bring chance for severe weather Wednesday across Chicago area
The Bonner Senior Center, located at 5800 Lexington Avenue, is open for Portage residents who need a place to stay.
The Northwest Health Center on Willowcreek Road is also open for those seeking shelter.
Schools in Valparaiso, Crown Point, Hobart and Gary announced they will be closed on Wednesday.