The National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued a special weather statement at 7:14 a.m. EDT Thursday, warning of strong thunderstorms moving east across central Indiana. According to the NWS, Doppler radar indicated a line of storms extending from about 6 miles northwest of Frankfort to 6 miles southwest of Lebanon, moving east at 35 mph. The storms could produce wind gusts exceeding 40 mph, which may knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, the agency said.
KEY FACTS
- The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for central Indiana on Thursday morning.
- Doppler radar tracked a line of strong thunderstorms moving east at 35 mph.
- Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible, which could down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects.
- Affected areas include Kokomo, Frankfort, Noblesville, Lebanon, and Tipton, among others.
- Interstate 65 between mile markers 134 and 157 is in the impacted zone.
CONTEXT
The special weather statement was issued at 7:14 a.m. EDT and is based on radar indications, not on observed wind measurements. The NWS uses Doppler radar to estimate storm intensity and potential hazards. The line of storms was located from 6 miles northwest of Frankfort to 6 miles southwest of Lebanon, moving east at 35 mph. The primary hazard is wind gusts exceeding 40 mph, which can cause minor damage such as downed tree limbs and unsecured objects being blown around. The statement lists numerous communities in the path, including Kokomo, Frankfort, Noblesville, Lebanon, Tipton, Windfall, Westfield, Cicero, Whitestown, Sheridan, Greentown, Arcadia, Rossville, Thorntown, Mulberry, Russiaville, Kirklin, Atlanta, Sharpsville, and Burlington. The affected stretch of Interstate 65 runs between mile markers 134 and 157. This type of statement is issued when severe weather is not expected but conditions could still pose a risk to life or property. The NWS advises residents to stay alert and take precautions if outdoors.
WHY IT MATTERS
While this is not a severe thunderstorm warning, the potential for wind gusts over 40 mph can create hazardous conditions for drivers, especially on highways like I 65, and for outdoor activities. Downed tree limbs and unsecured objects can cause property damage or injury. Understanding the difference between a special weather statement and a more urgent warning helps the public gauge the level of threat and respond appropriately.
WHAT TO WATCH
- Monitor local weather updates for any escalation to a severe thunderstorm warning.
- Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other loose items that could be blown around.
- Be cautious when driving, especially on Interstate 65, as sudden gusts can affect vehicle control.
- Watch for fallen tree limbs or debris on roads and sidewalks after the storms pass.