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Indiana Storms: Seek Shelter Now!
19 Feb
Summary
- Severe thunderstorms prompted urgent shelter warnings for 14,000 people.
- Damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes threatened much of Indiana.
- More storms are anticipated throughout the day across the state.
On Thursday morning, severe thunderstorms rapidly intensified across Indiana, prompting National Weather Service warnings for an estimated 14,000 individuals to seek immediate shelter. Forecasters had highlighted Indianapolis and surrounding areas as facing a heightened risk due to the potential for damaging winds, hail, and even a few tornadoes.
These initial severe thunderstorm warnings have since expired as the storm moved quickly through areas like Pulaski, Cass, and Fulton counties. Residents were advised to move to interior rooms on the lowest floors of buildings for their protection. Despite the expiration of immediate warnings, hazardous weather outlooks remained active statewide.
Additional strong to severe storms were possible throughout Thursday, particularly south of US-30, with wind gusts and hail being primary concerns, though a tornado or two could not be ruled out. This threat was part of a larger severe weather outbreak expected across the Ohio Valley through Thursday night. AccuWeather indicated a high risk for the southern half of Indiana, extending into parts of Illinois, Kentucky, and southwestern Ohio. While winter tornadoes are uncommon in Indiana, they are not unprecedented, with the peak season typically from April to June.
