South Bend, Ind. – Residents across northern Indiana should prepare for periods of strong thunderstorms beginning Monday night and continuing into Tuesday afternoon, with gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall capable of affecting overnight and daytime travel.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana, the first round of thunderstorms is expected between 10 p.m. Monday and 3 a.m. Tuesday, with the potential for isolated wind gusts exceeding 50 mph and pockets of heavy rainfall. While the overall confidence in severe storm coverage remains low, forecasters say a few storms could become strong enough to cause isolated impacts.
The storm threat will continue from 10 a.m. until around 4 p.m. Tuesday as another round of thunderstorms develops across the region. The primary hazards remain isolated 50 mph wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall, while the chances for large hail and tornadoes are considered very low.
Communities including South Bend, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth and surrounding areas could experience brief periods of heavy rain, reduced visibility and isolated tree damage if stronger wind gusts develop. Travelers along the Indiana Toll Road, Interstates 69 and 80/90, and U.S. 30 should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight when storms may arrive while many people are asleep. Secure loose outdoor items before storms develop and avoid driving through water-covered roadways if heavy rain leads to localized flooding.
Forecasters expect the storm threat to diminish later Tuesday as cooler, less humid air moves into the region. Additional watches or warnings may be issued if stronger thunderstorms begin to organize.
