La Porte County, IN – A stretch of US 421 is shut down in La Porte County after several power lines and utility poles were knocked down during a powerful thunderstorm Wednesday afternoon.
According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, the closure is in place between US 30 and County Road 1350 South after a significant number of utility lines fell across the highway. Multiple utility poles were visibly damaged or completely snapped near the Wanatah Road area.
The sheriff’s office reported that utility service crews have been notified and are working to assess the extent of the damage. The closure is expected to remain in effect for an extended period as crews work to safely clear the downed infrastructure and restore power.
Authorities are urging commuters, particularly those traveling during afternoon and evening hours, to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.
Photos shared by the sheriff’s office show downed poles leaning dangerously over the roadway and a nearby electrical substation with damage in the surrounding area. Wet conditions and scattered debris from the storm have added to the hazards at the site.
No injuries have been reported at this time, and there is no estimate for when the roadway will reopen. Motorists are advised to monitor updates from the Indiana Department of Transportation: Northwest and local law enforcement for real-time traffic information.
Drivers should exercise caution in the area and plan for detours while emergency response teams continue their work.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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