LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- The La Porte County Sheriff's Office is reporting a large number of utility lines have fallen across the highway and caused a section of US421 to be closed. 

The photo attached to this article shows a location at  the intersection of US 421 and Wanatah Road. Authorities say US 421 is closed between US 30 and C.R.350 South, and the closure is expected to last a while.

"A large number of utility lines fell across the highway and several utility poles were damaged during this afternoon’s thunderstorm," the LCSO said.

"The utility service company has been contacted. The highway closure is expected to be lengthy. Afternoon / Evening commuters are encouraged to seek out an alternate route to their destination now."