Indianapolis, Indiana – Central Indiana residents should prepare for two rounds of thunderstorms this week, including a more significant severe weather threat Wednesday evening and overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, a Level 1 out of 5 Marginal Risk for severe weather has been issued for Tuesday afternoon and evening across much of central Indiana. Forecasters say scattered thunderstorms could produce isolated severe wind gusts up to 60 mph as they move through the region.
The Tuesday threat includes Indianapolis, Lafayette, Kokomo, Muncie, Terre Haute, Bloomington and surrounding communities. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms may become strong enough to produce isolated wind damage during the afternoon and early evening hours.
Attention then shifts to Wednesday, when the Storm Prediction Center has placed much of central Indiana under a Level 2 out of 5 Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms. Forecast guidance indicates scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop mainly during the evening and overnight hours as a stronger weather system approaches the state.
Across Indiana, all severe weather hazards appear possible Wednesday night. The National Weather Service highlights damaging straight-line winds, large hail and tornadoes as potential threats. While exact timing and storm intensity remain uncertain, confidence is increasing that a more organized severe weather event could impact portions of central Indiana.
Major travel corridors including Interstate 65, Interstate 69, Interstate 70 and Interstate 74 could experience hazardous conditions if stronger storms develop Wednesday evening. Power outages, downed tree limbs and localized flooding may also occur in areas affected by severe thunderstorms.
Residents are encouraged to review severe weather safety plans now and ensure they have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially during overnight hours when storms may be most active.
Additional outlooks, watches and warnings are likely as confidence increases in Wednesday’s severe weather setup across central Indiana.
