In the quiet town of Wheatfield, Indiana, a powerful storm system unleashed chaos on March 10, 2026, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. While initial reports suggested hail as the primary culprit, investigations point to a suspected tornado as the main force behind the widespread damage. The Dunns Bridge I and II solar farms, key components of Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO) renewable energy portfolio, bore the brunt of the storm’s fury. These facilities, located in Jasper and Starke counties, represent a combined capacity of approximately 700 MW of solar power, making them among the largest in the region.
Eyewitness accounts and drone footage circulating on social media depict twisted metal frames, shattered panels, and debris scattered across acres of farmland. NIPSCO confirmed the damage in an official statement, noting that teams were on-site to assess and secure the area as soon as conditions allowed.
