INDIANA— Forecasters are warning Hoosiers to stay weather-aware today as a spring-like storm system threatens most of the state with severe weather, including the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis has placed much of central and southern Indiana under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe storms. While the primary concern is high-velocity wind, atmospheric conditions are priming the region for a more significant weather event than typically seen in mid-February.
According to the latest NWS briefings, the window for the most intense weather is expected between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST. Residents should prepare for the following:
- Damaging Winds: Gusts of 60 to 70 mph are possible within storm cells. Even outside of thunderstorms, “gradient winds” could reach 33–40 mph, capable of knocking down tree limbs and power lines.
- Tornado Threat: Meteorologists have identified an increased tornado risk, particularly for areas south of the I-70 corridor. Significant tornadoes cannot be ruled out, especially near Vincennes, Bloomington, and Seymour.
- Large Hail: Storms may produce hail up to 1 inch in diameter (quarter-sized).
“The big thing is going to be the timing of the warm front as it moves north today,” said NWS forecaster Andrew White. “That’s going to affect the surface winds, which then affects the tornado potential.”
The sudden shift comes after record-breaking warmth on Wednesday, where temperatures pushed toward 70 degrees. This “taste of spring” provides the fuel necessary for these storms to organize and rotate as a cold front sweeps in from the west.
With the greatest risk arriving during the evening commute, safety officials urge residents to:
- Charge Devices: Ensure cell phones and weather radios are fully charged.
- Secure Loose Objects: Bring in patio furniture or trash cans that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Know Your Shelter: Identify the lowest, most interior room of your home or workplace in case a Tornado Warning is issued.
Following the storms, temperatures are expected to plummet back into the 30s and 40s by Friday, bringing a swift return to winter conditions.
