Significant severe weather event forecast for tomorrow

See an update to this post.

Friends, the outlook for severe weather in Indiana tomorrow, April 18, is significantly more severe than it was yesterday. Have a look at the map below, which is from the “Day Two Convective Outlook” that the NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued early this morning.

Map from convective outlook
Probability of severe weather within 25 miles of a point.
Hatched Area: 10% or greater probability of significant severe weather within 25 miles of a point. (More Info)

As you can see, almost the entire state of Indiana has a 30 percent probability of severe weather within 25 miles of a point. Plus (and new in today’s outlook), the same area of Indiana has a 10 percent or greater probability of significant severe weather within 25 miles of a point. The SPC defines “significant severe weather” as hail of two inches or larger diameter, winds of 65 knots (75 mph) or stronger or tornadoes that rate as F2 or stronger.

In its Hazardous Weather Outlook today, the northern Indiana NWS officer writes, “A line of thunderstorms is expected to accompany a strong cold front moving from west to east across the area Thursday night. These storms may be severe with damaging winds the main threat.” The outlook indicates that SKYWARN storm spotter activation might be needed tomorrow afternoon or tomorrow night.

I strongly recommend that you keep an eye on the SPC site for updated convective outlooks. And tomorrow, be prepared for watches and warnings. And while you’re at it, make sure your family and friends are prepared, as well.

See an update to this post.