2 Dead, Homes Leveled as Tornadoes Tear Through Illinois and Indiana

At least four tornadoes ripped through the Chicago area and northwest Indiana Tuesday evening, killing two people, injuring several others, and leaving a trail of destruction across communities that are still being assessed Wednesday morning.

Two Killed in Lake Village, Indiana

The two fatalities occurred in the small northwestern Indiana community of Lake Village, in Newton County, where an elderly man and woman from the same family were killed just before 7 pm Tuesday when a tornado struck their home. Indiana State Police said their identities will not be released until family members have been notified.

Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran addressed the public in a video update on Wednesday, warning residents to stay away from the affected area. "Please do not come here. Do not try to help right now," he said, standing in front of what appeared to be a completely destroyed home.

Laurie Postma, a spokeswoman for the Lake Township Fire Department, confirmed the deaths at a news conference Wednesday morning alongside the sheriff, state police, and local authorities. She said fewer than 10 people were injured in Tuesday's storms.