South Bend, Indiana — Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of northern Indiana Tuesday evening, bringing the potential for tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall.
Forecasters warn that conditions across the region support a significant severe weather threat, with storms likely forming during the evening hours and continuing overnight.
The first storms are expected to develop across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana between about 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday before moving east into northern Indiana later in the evening.
Communities including La Porte, Plymouth, South Bend, and Warsaw could begin seeing storms during the evening hours as the system tracks across the region.
Meteorologists say some storms may quickly become supercells, which are capable of producing large hail and tornadoes. The tornado threat is expected to be highest during the evening hours as storms strengthen.
As the storms move east toward Fort Wayne and areas along Interstate 69, the severe weather threat could continue through the late evening.
In addition to tornado potential, damaging wind gusts and large hail remain significant concerns with stronger storms. Sudden heavy rainfall may also reduce visibility and lead to localized flooding.
Travelers along major routes including Interstate 94, Interstate 69, U.S. 31, and U.S. 30 should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including strong winds and intense rainfall.
After the initial storms move through, additional rounds of thunderstorms may develop overnight, shifting the primary threat toward damaging winds and periods of heavy rain into early Wednesday morning.
Because severe weather may occur during the evening and overnight hours, residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather alerts on smartphones and NOAA Weather Radio.
Officials recommend staying alert to changing weather conditions and seeking shelter immediately if warnings are issued.
