Indianapolis, Ind. – A widespread tornado watch is in effect across central and southern Indiana until 10 p.m. CDT Friday, putting 53 counties on alert as dangerous storms threaten to develop rapidly into the evening.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Marion, Monroe, Vanderburgh, and Tippecanoe counties, as well as parts of the greater Indianapolis metro area. Thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and large hail are expected through the night. The watch was issued at 3 p.m. CDT.
Cities like Bloomington, Evansville, Terre Haute, and Lafayette are all within the alert zone. Emergency managers urge residents to stay weather-aware, keep phones charged, and have a shelter plan ready. Travel should be avoided in high-risk areas this evening as conditions may rapidly deteriorate.
This marks one of the largest tornado watches for Indiana so far this season, with storm potential stretching from the Ohio River Valley up through central counties. School events and evening commutes could be impacted by sudden severe weather.
More warnings may follow as storms intensify. The tornado watch remains active until 10 p.m. CDT, and residents are urged to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates.
