Fort Wayne, Indiana – Strong thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts near 60 mph could sweep across northern Indiana overnight, placing 29 counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 2 a.m. Monday and raising the risk of downed trees, scattered power outages and hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 56 was issued at 6:40 p.m. EDT and stretches across a large portion of northern Indiana. Counties included range from Lake and Porter counties along Lake Michigan east through Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties near the Ohio border.
Major cities within the watch area include Fort Wayne, South Bend, Gary, Hammond, Elkhart, La Porte, Warsaw, Huntington and Marion. Drivers along Interstate 69 near Fort Wayne, Interstate 80/90 across northern Indiana and Interstate 65 near Merrillville could encounter sudden heavy rain, lightning and rapidly shifting winds if storms intensify overnight.
Emergency officials urge residents to secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices and monitor weather alerts through the night. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, move indoors immediately and avoid windows as damaging wind gusts move through.
The severe thunderstorm watch remains active until 2 a.m. Monday as storms track east across Indiana. Additional warnings may be issued with little lead time if stronger storm cells develop.
