Indianapolis, Ind. – Much of Indiana is under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. CDT Wednesday as severe thunderstorms build across the region, bringing the potential for damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes across 63 counties, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 434 was issued at 12:00 p.m. CDT and includes a wide swath of central, northern, and western Indiana. Areas at highest risk stretch from Lake and Marion counties east to Allen and DeKalb, covering major interstates like I-65, I-69, and I-70.
Cities like Lafayette, Muncie, Kokomo, and Bloomington are all within the watch zone. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, monitor alerts, and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued. Mobile homes, outdoor events, and high-profile vehicles are especially vulnerable during sudden wind shifts or funnel cloud formation.
This is the first large-scale tornado watch to affect the state in June, following a relatively quiet spring. Storms could begin developing rapidly by mid-afternoon, with the strongest activity expected between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The tornado watch remains in effect until 7 p.m., with additional warnings possible as storms evolve. Keep NOAA Weather Radios charged and avoid unnecessary travel in affected zones.
