South Bend, Indiana – Strong thunderstorms could rapidly intensify Tuesday afternoon, bringing damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail large enough to damage vehicles, especially along and north of the US-30 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, storms may begin developing as early as midday in northwest areas before expanding toward South Bend, Elkhart, and Fort Wayne between 2 p.m. and midnight. The greatest severe risk is focused along and north of US-30, including cities near the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90).
Wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch are the primary threats, though a brief, isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Areas near Lake Michigan and into southern Lower Michigan could see slightly higher hail potential, with isolated reports approaching 2 inches.
Localized heavy rainfall may also lead to ponding on roadways, especially during the evening commute along US-31, I-69, and I-80/90. Earlier tonight into early Tuesday, a marginal risk could bring isolated storms with small hail mainly north of the Toll Road.
Secure loose outdoor items, monitor alerts, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. Additional warnings are likely Tuesday afternoon as storms organize and move across the region.
