South Bend, Ind. –A fast-moving line of storms is sweeping through northern Indiana Thursday afternoon, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. CDT for 16 counties including Lake, Porter, Elkhart, and St. Joseph.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, damaging wind gusts, large hail, and intense lightning are possible as storms continue to develop across the region. Counties under the watch include Benton, Jasper, Kosciusko, Newton, and Steuben, covering much of north-central and northwest Indiana.
Wind gusts up to 60 mph may cause tree damage and scattered power outages, especially along I-94, U.S. 20, and State Road 15. Commuters in Valparaiso, La Porte, and Elkhart should expect reduced visibility and sudden downpours. Outdoor events should be postponed, and residents are urged to secure loose items and charge electronic devices in case of outages.
This marks one of the more widespread thunderstorm threats of July, with cells pushing east toward Fort Wayne and the Ohio border later tonight.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect through 9 p.m., with additional warnings possible depending on storm intensification.
