Fort Wayne, Ind. – Residents across parts of northern Indiana and east-central Illinois should brace for damaging winds and large hail Friday evening, as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 12 a.m. EDT.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes counties such as Allen, Adams, and Wabash in Indiana, and Kankakee, Livingston, and Iroquois in Illinois. The storms may produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter, with isolated power outages and tree damage possible.
Cities like Fort Wayne, Peru, Rensselaer, and Kankakee are in the path of these potentially severe storms. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor local alerts. Motorists should use caution on I-65, U.S. 24, and rural highways where visibility may drop suddenly in heavy rain.
This is part of a broader system moving through the Midwest Friday night, bringing unstable air and the risk for fast-developing cells.
The watch remains active through midnight, and additional warnings could be issued. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local outlets for the latest updates.
