Fort Wayne, Indiana – Severe thunderstorms could rapidly develop across northern Indiana by late Thursday afternoon, bringing a window for damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes before midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, warmer air will surge into the region Thursday with highs reaching the upper 70s to near 80°F, creating conditions favorable for strong to severe storms by evening. Storm chances increase sharply after 5 p.m., with the highest impacts expected through the late evening and overnight hours.
Cities including South Bend, Elkhart, Warsaw, and Fort Wayne sit within a broad risk zone where storms could intensify quickly. Travel along I-69, US-30, and I-80/90 may become hazardous as heavy rain reduces visibility and strong wind gusts down tree limbs and power lines. Localized flooding is also possible where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.
Wednesday remains quieter with only a slight chance of rain south of US-30 late, but conditions shift quickly within 24 hours. Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices, and review shelter plans ahead of Thursday evening.
Storm threats will taper early Friday, but additional alerts or warnings may be issued as confidence in storm intensity increases.
