The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Northern Indiana in an “Enhanced” Risk category for severe weather for Wednesday afternoon and into Wednesday night.
There is a significant threat for tornadoes to develop with this system. Other hazards include significant large hail of two inches in diameter or greater, and damaging wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph. Significant damage to trees and utility poles will lead to power outages and debris across roads making travel difficult if not impossible.
According to the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency, if a tornado warning has been issued, take shelter in a basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don’t forget pets if time allows. If the warning occurs while you are at school or work, follow the tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums. If you happen to be outside, seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe building.
Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
