Fort Wayne, Indiana – Thunderstorms could rapidly strengthen Tuesday afternoon, bringing hail and damaging winds that may snarl travel along the Indiana-Ohio border by the evening commute.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms is in place Tuesday across northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Storms are expected to develop after 4 p.m. and intensify into the evening, with the highest impact zone stretching from Fort Wayne through Defiance to Toledo.
Major routes including I-69, US-30, and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90) could see sudden downpours and sharply reduced visibility during peak travel hours. Storms may produce hail up to 1 inch in diameter and wind gusts reaching 60 mph, strong enough to down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
Communities such as Lima, Van Wert, and Bowling Green may also experience strong storms, though coverage could vary. Brief heavy rainfall may lead to ponding on roads, especially in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Residents should secure outdoor items before late afternoon and monitor alerts closely into the evening. Storms are expected to weaken late Tuesday night, though additional unsettled weather may follow into midweek.
