Rensselaer, Indiana – Drivers and residents south of I-80 could face rapidly deteriorating conditions by midafternoon Thursday as severe thunderstorms begin firing along a southward-moving cold front, bringing the risk of large hail and damaging wind gusts.
According to the National Weather Service and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, storms are expected to develop after 2 p.m. Thursday and continue through at least early evening, with the greatest risk focused south of the I-80 corridor. Hail exceeding 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts topping 60 mph could snap tree limbs, damage roofs, and knock out power in localized areas.
Across northwest Indiana, including Rensselaer and surrounding communities, repeated rounds of storms may track over the same south of the Kankakee River Valley between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., increasing the risk of localized flooding. Low-lying roads and rural routes near the river could become impassable within a short time.
Emergency officials urge residents to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours, and monitor alerts. Conditions may shift quickly, and additional warnings could be issued through Thursday night as the system moves east.
