South Bend, Indiana – Thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and hail are moving across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, putting nearly a dozen counties and Lake Michigan’s shoreline on alert until midnight.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect through 12:00 a.m. EDT for Indiana counties including Elkhart, LaPorte, Kosciusko, and St. Joseph, as well as Michigan counties such as Kalamazoo, Allegan, Cass, and Berrien. The watch also extends to adjacent Lake Michigan waters from Michigan City to Holland.
City officials in South Bend, Mishawaka, and Elkhart are urging residents to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for sudden power outages. Motorists on U.S. 31, I-94, and U.S. 6 should watch for downed trees and flooded roads, especially as storms move in after sunset. Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties could see wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail.
If you’re near the Lake Michigan coast, mariners are advised to seek safe harbor as lightning and rapidly building waves threaten smaller vessels.
The severe thunderstorm watch remains active until 12 a.m., with further alerts possible if storms redevelop overnight.
