Fort Wayne, IN — Severe thunderstorms are possible across northern Indiana beginning Friday night and continuing into early Saturday morning, with damaging winds and large hail as the main threats.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, confidence remains moderate that severe weather will occur during the late hours of Friday, April 18, particularly after 11 p.m. EDT. Areas including Fort Wayne, South Bend, and surrounding counties are under a “Slight Risk” for severe weather, which extends to parts of southern Michigan and northwest Ohio.
The primary threats include wind gusts over 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter. Tornado risk remains low, and flooding concerns are minimal, though heavy rainfall in isolated storms could lead to ponding on roadways. A weather cap may inhibit storm development early but is expected to weaken late Friday night, potentially allowing stronger storms to form.
Residents are advised to stay weather-aware through Friday evening. Secure outdoor objects, monitor NOAA Weather Radio, and have a shelter plan ready in case warnings are issued. Travel may become hazardous overnight, especially for early Saturday commuters.
Temperatures will remain unseasonably warm Friday, reaching into the upper 70s, before cooling into the upper 40s overnight.
