South Bend residents need to stay weather alert tonight. A tornado watch is in effect for all of Michiana until 2:00 am ET Wednesday, marking a serious uptick in severe weather potential. The thunderstorms developing late Tuesday have potential to be strong to severe, with risks including large hail, heavy rain, gusty winds, and tornadoes.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted Michiana for widespread severe weather, placing southern and western communities in a Level 4 risk (Moderate Risk) while the rest of the area is under a Level 3 risk (Enhanced Risk). Timing cues point to storms arriving in stages—some developing as early as 6:00 pm ET with more widespread rain and storms after 10:00 pm ET, followed by a line of storms early Wednesday morning.
A large severe thunderstorm warning polygon is up in west-central Indiana as a quick-moving line of storms brings severe wind and embedded rotation/tornado potential, with this line reaching the Indy metro area around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The primary concerns stay centered on tornadoes and large hail during the severe window, then shift toward damaging winds, heavy rain, and localized flooding, with totals likely exceeding 1–2 inches for many areas.
Stay weather aware through the day, especially after 5pm, and make sure to charge your phone and have ways to get weather alerts. The threat continues into Wednesday with showers and thunderstorms likely, with heavy rain possible and highs starting in the 50s but temps dropping into the 40s. Keep close watch on local WSBT weather alerts and the latest updates from WTHR as this system develops.