The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for portions of central, north-central, and west-central Indiana until 10:00 p.m. EDT Thursday, as a fast-moving line of powerful storms sweeps across the region.
At 9:27 p.m. EDT, meteorologists reported severe thunderstorms extending from near Brookston to Lafayette and southward toward Newport. The storm line was moving east at approximately 70 mph and was capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph.
The warning covers the following counties:
- Boone County
- Carroll County
- Clinton County
- Fountain County
- Hendricks County
- Howard County
- Montgomery County
- Parke County
- Putnam County
- Tippecanoe County
- Tipton County
- Vermillion County
Forecasters warn that the strongest storms could cause damage to roofs, siding, and trees, while scattered power outages are also possible due to strong winds.
Communities within the warning area include Lafayette, West Lafayette, Kokomo, Frankfort, Crawfordsville, Lebanon, Delphi, Rockville, Newport, Flora, Rossville, Shadeland, Thorntown, Dayton, Battle Ground, Mulberry, Russiaville, Montezuma, Ladoga, and Jamestown.
The severe weather threat also impacts major travel routes, including Interstate 65 between mile markers 139 and 184 and Interstate 74 between mile markers 17 and 55.
Tornado Threat Remains Possible
Although the primary hazard is damaging straight-line winds, the National Weather Service emphasized that tornadoes can develop quickly within severe thunderstorms. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 2:00 a.m. EDT for portions of central, north-central, and west-central Indiana.
Residents are urged to remain alert and be prepared to take immediate shelter if a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is spotted.
Safety Recommendations
Emergency officials advise residents to:
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
- Monitor local weather alerts and trusted news sources.
- Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is observed.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor the storm system and will provide updates as conditions evolve throughout the evening.