Northern Indiana is expected to experience strong to severe storms on Saturday, July 19, between noon and 7 p.m. These storms could bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and the threat of localized flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, warm, humid air will combine with unstable conditions, creating a slight risk for severe storms throughout the afternoon.
Severe Weather Risks in Northern Indiana
The greatest threats from these storms include damaging wind gusts and torrential rain. While small hail and even an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, the primary concern is the potential for rapid flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
Cities like South Bend, Fort Wayne, Elkhart, and Goshen are within the risk zone, and key highways such as US-30 and I-69 could see water buildup during peak travel hours, making roads dangerous.
Preparing for the Storms
Residents in northern Indiana are urged to monitor weather alerts and secure any outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds. If you live in a low-lying area, avoid traveling during the storm’s peak hours to prevent flooding risks.
Due to the high temperatures expected in the upper 80s to near 90°F, combined with the storms, heat indices could climb into the low to mid-90s during the afternoon, potentially straining power grids and causing brief outages.
Post-Storm Clean-Up and Additional Alerts
Conditions should calm down by the evening, but storm damage clean-up may continue into Sunday. The NWS also cautions that additional alerts may be issued as storm models evolve, so it’s important to stay informed throughout the day.
Northern Indiana should prepare for a day of severe weather with strong winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding. Being weather-aware and taking necessary precautions will help ensure safety during this event.
