Could be a long night for SKYWARN spotters

Categorical outlook map from Day 1 Convective Oultook

Almost all of Indiana — along with the Indiana, Michigan and Ohio counties served by the northern Indiana National Weather Service Office — are at slight risk for severe weather between 9 a.m. EDT today and 8 a.m. EDT tomorrow, according to the Day 1 Convective Outlook issued at 8:45 a.m. EDT by the Storm Prediction Center. The outlook indicates a 15 percent probability of damaging thunderstorm winds or wind gusts of 58 mph or higher within 25 miles of any point in the counties covered by the northern Indiana NWS office. It provides the same probability of one inch diameter or larger hail. The probability of a tornado, however, is two percent or less in northeastern Indiana, southern Michigan and northwestern Ohio.

Severe weather in these areas is most likely late this evening, according to a Area Forecast Discussion issued by the northern Indiana NWS office at 5:17 a.m. EDT. At that time, meteorologists were uncertain of the exact timing but wrote that a severe squall line could pass through the region this evening and/or overnight. In its Hazardous Weather Outlook at 6 a.m., the office indicated that SKYWARN storm spotter activation might be needed this evening and tonight.

Meanwhile, the latest Day 2 Convective Outlook continues to indicate a slight risk for more severe weather between 8 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday.

So spotters, make sure all your gear is ready for possible action tonight and then try to get some rest, because it could be a late night for us!