FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The National Weather Service is warning residents across Northeast Indiana to prepare for the potential of significant severe weather Wednesday, including damaging winds, large hail, flooding, and the possibility of strong tornadoes.
Forecasters continue to place much of northern Indiana under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather, with portions of northwest Indiana under a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5). The National Weather Service says only minor adjustments were made in its latest briefing, but confidence remains high that severe storms will develop later today.
Meteorologists are expecting two rounds of thunderstorms. The first round is forecast between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and could produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. While hail and isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out, forecasters say confidence in severe weather during the afternoon remains relatively low.
The greatest concern arrives during the second round of storms from 5 p.m. through midnight. The National Weather Service says these storms could generate wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, large hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes, including the potential for strong tornadoes. Forecasters note that the tornado threat area has expanded farther north and east since earlier forecasts.
According to the latest outlook, significant straight-line winds are possible across the entire region. Confidence is high that at least scattered severe storms will occur, while confidence in widespread significant severe weather remains at a medium level. Timing confidence remains high, although storm arrival times could vary by one to two hours.
In addition to the severe weather threat, a Flood Watch remains in effect for areas along and north of U.S. 24 from 2 p.m. Wednesday until 2 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals between 1 and 2 inches, with isolated locations potentially receiving 3 to 4 inches in a short period of time. The heavy rain could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, urban locations, and places with poor drainage.
The National Weather Service is urging residents to stay weather aware throughout the day and especially this evening when storms are expected to be at their strongest. Officials recommend having multiple ways to receive warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone alerts, weather apps, and local media sources.
WOWO News will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as severe weather develops across Northeast Indiana.
