Fort Wayne, IN – Strong thunderstorms could sweep across northern Indiana through early Tuesday evening, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts, lightning, and brief downpours that may slow travel across several busy corridors including Interstate 69 and U.S. 30.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 78 remains in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for 13 counties across northern Indiana, including Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Steuben, and Wabash counties. The watch also extends into Branch and Hillsdale counties in southern Michigan and several counties in northwest Ohio including Allen, Defiance, and Van Wert.
Cities such as Fort Wayne, Huntington, Marion, and Auburn could see storms develop or intensify through the late afternoon commute. Gusty winds capable of downing small tree limbs and brief heavy rain may create slick conditions on major routes like I-469 and State Road 3.
Communities across northwest Ohio, including Lima, Bryan, and Wauseon, remain within the watch zone as storms track east. Emergency managers urge residents to secure loose outdoor items and move indoors if thunder is heard.
Drivers should expect rapidly changing weather conditions through the evening. Additional warnings may be issued if storms strengthen across the region before the watch expires at 6 p.m.
