Benton County, Indiana – Residents across parts of northwest Indiana could face rapidly developing severe storms Tuesday evening as a tornado watch remains in effect until 11 p.m., raising the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 32 includes Benton, Jasper and Newton counties. Thunderstorms moving through the region may produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, hail capable of damaging vehicles and buildings, and brief tornadoes through late Tuesday night.
Communities including Fowler, Rensselaer and Kentland sit within the watch area, along with major travel routes such as Interstate 65, U.S. 41 and State Road 114. Sudden downpours and strong wind gusts could quickly reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions during the evening commute.
Emergency managers recommend keeping weather alerts enabled on mobile devices and identifying a safe shelter area in advance. The safest place during a tornado warning is a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
The watch continues until 11 p.m. Tuesday, and additional warnings may be issued if storms intensify across northwest Indiana later this evening.
