Indianapolis, Indiana – Strong thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of Indiana this afternoon and evening as a cold front pushes through the state, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, heavy rainfall, frequent lightning and localized flooding. While scattered storms may form early this afternoon across southeastern Indiana, the strongest storms are expected to develop farther north before moving south-southeast through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, isolated to scattered thunderstorms could begin developing across southeastern portions of central Indiana by early afternoon, producing brief heavy rain, cloud-to-ground lightning and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Additional thunderstorms are expected to develop along the advancing cold front across northern Indiana between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with some storms becoming severe.
The strongest storms will then move into northern portions of central Indiana after 5 p.m., impacting communities including Indianapolis, Kokomo, Muncie, Anderson, Lafayette, Marion, Richmond and surrounding areas. Localized flooding is possible where thunderstorms produce repeated heavy downpours, especially in urban and poor-drainage locations.
Drivers should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions during the evening commute, including reduced visibility, water-covered roads and isolated tree debris from stronger wind gusts. Travel on Interstates 65, 69, 70 and 74 could be impacted as storms move through.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items, monitor weather updates throughout the afternoon and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Move indoors immediately if thunder is heard or a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued.
Storms are expected to gradually weaken later tonight after the cold front passes, but additional severe thunderstorm warnings may be issued as storms organize across central Indiana this afternoon and evening.
