Fort Wayne, IN – Severe thunderstorms are forecast to sweep across northern Indiana and eastern Illinois through Sunday evening, bringing potentially damaging winds and large hail.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana office, the storm window stretches from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. EDT Sunday. Areas under the highest threat include Fort Wayne, South Bend, and parts of central Illinois such as Kankakee and Champaign. Wind gusts could reach up to 70 mph, with hailstones as large as 2 inches in diameter. While isolated tornadoes and flooding are less likely, they remain possible under certain storm cells.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms over much of northern Indiana and east-central Illinois. Benton Harbor, Valparaiso, and Warsaw fall within this heightened alert zone.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, monitor local alerts, and seek shelter indoors as storms approach. Travel delays and brief power outages are likely, especially in rural areas with limited infrastructure support.
This storm system, moving rapidly eastward, marks a sharp contrast to typical late-March conditions. People in affected areas should remain weather-aware and review safety plans in case warnings are issued.
