Almost all of Indiana has a slight risk of severe storms between 9 a.m. EDT today and 8 a.m. EDT tomorrow, according to the “Day 1 Convective Outlook” that the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued at 8:16 a.m. EDT.

Threats

The primary threats are damaging straight-line thunderstorm winds of 58 mph or greater and large hail of one inch or more in diameter, both of which have a 15 percent probability within 25 miles of a point anywhere in the slight risk area. Read more about the significance of outlook probabilities.  The tornado risk today is negligible, with less than a 2 percent probability.

Timing

The severe storms are most likely late this afternoon into early this evening.

Geography

The slight risk area includes all of Indiana except Lake County, most of Porter County and northern LaPorte County of northwestern Indiana. The slight risk area includes the entirety of IMO SKYWARN quadrant two.

Preparation

Everyone who is in the slight risk area — especially those involved in outdoor activities this afternoon and evening — should ensure they have a way to know if the NWS issues a storm watch or warning.

SKYWARN storm spotters should make sure they and their gear are ready for activation, which is likely by this afternoon, according to the “Hazardous Weather Outlook” that the northern Indiana NWS office issued at 4:47 a.m. EDT.

Updates

The SPC will issue an updated convective outlook by 12:30 p.m. EDT, which will be our next chance to know if the storm risk for today has changed.

As time permits, I will “live blog” the weather situation as it develops, but this is a work day for me and I have client expectations to meet, so do not rely on this blog as a primary information source.

The northern Indiana NWS office will use Twitter ( @NWSIWX ) and Facebook to keep residents updated.

To become immediately aware of watches and warnings, I recommend a weather alert radio or monitoring a local radio or TV station.