Indianapolis, Indiana – A widespread severe thunderstorm threat is unfolding across Illinois and Indiana this evening, with storms rapidly organizing and pushing east across more than 90 counties through midnight.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 76 remains in effect until 12 a.m. EDT (11 p.m. CDT) for a large portion of both states. This includes major cities such as Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, and Chicago’s southern suburbs in Illinois, along with Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Lafayette, and South Bend in Indiana.
Storms developing late this afternoon are expected to intensify through the evening, producing wind gusts over 60 mph and hail large enough to damage vehicles. The greatest impacts are expected along major corridors including I-55, I-57, I-65, and I-70 as storms track east at highway speeds.
Communities from Bloomington and Decatur into Muncie and Kokomo could see rapidly changing conditions, including heavy downpours and sudden visibility drops during peak travel hours.
Drivers should prepare for hazardous conditions and possible delays. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and stay alert for warnings, as storms may strengthen quickly.
The severe threat will continue through midnight as storms move from Illinois into Indiana, with additional warnings likely through the night.
