South Bend, Indiana – Strong winds are already building across the region, and conditions will turn more dangerous by mid-afternoon as a line of severe storms targets northern Indiana, southern Michigan, and northeast Illinois.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, a Wind Advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT, with south winds gusting up to 45 mph. The strongest winds are expected between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., creating hazardous travel on east-west roads and increasing the chance of downed tree limbs and isolated power outages.
By early evening, storms will organize into a line moving west to east between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. The highest severe threat is focused along and west of Interstate 69, including South Bend, La Porte, and extending toward Benton Harbor and into southwest Michigan. Damaging winds remain the primary hazard, but a few tornadoes are possible within embedded cells.
In Chicago’s far southern suburbs, northwest Indiana, and into Fort Wayne, drivers could encounter sudden downpours and rapidly shifting winds during the evening commute.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items now and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Conditions may change quickly as storms approach, with additional alerts likely through tonight.
