Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery is giving county residents an advanced warning of possible several weather tomorrow.  He said, “Wednesday may be the most significant severe weather threat we have seen in a couple of years if things develop the way they have forecast.”

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed most of northern Indiana in the “Enhanced” Risk category (3 out of 5) for severe weather Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night.  The forecast time frame for severe weather to occur is around noon until 8:00 pm Wednesday evening.

There is a significant threat for tornadoes to develop with this system.  Long-track F2 Tornadoes or greater are possible.  Wind speeds during an F2 Tornado can be between 113 and 157 mph.  Other hazards on Wednesday include significant large hail 2 inches or greater in diameter and damaging wind gusts between 60-70 mph.

Impacts from this storm could cause loss of life or severe injuries are possible if tornadoes develop in our area. Significant damage to homes and other structures is likely.  Significant damage to trees and utility poles will lead to power outages and debris across roads making travel difficult if not impossible. Hail of 2 inches or greater can cause damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles parked outside.

To be prepared stay weather ready. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.  You can also receive alerts by downloading the Marshall County IN APP to your smartphone or tablet.

  • If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
  • At work or school follow your 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 are 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.
  • In a vehicle: 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.

This is likely to be one of the most significant severe weather events we have had in the last couple of years. PLEASE TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO KEEP YOU, YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS SAFE!