Severe Weather

Severe weather happens here

Indiana frequently experiences severe weather, which is defined as a storm having wind gusts of at least 58 m.p.h. or producing hail at least 1 inch in diameter. Any storm that produces lightning can be deadly, and flooding can occur from rain or a broken pipe nearly anywhere. Prepare for any natural disaster with Get Ready!

Visit Get Ready!

A street with trees submerged in water due to a flood

Things you should do

  • If you can count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder, seek safe shelter inside a building or hard-topped vehicle.
  • Have a NOAA weather radio at home with fully charged batteries.
  • Check your local weather forecast before spending extended time outdoors.
  • If a storm produces large hail, seek sturdy shelter and stay away from windows.
  • Know that a weather “watch” means be alert and a weather “warning” means you need to take action to be safe.
  • Have an emergency kit.

Things you should not do

  • Don’t drive over flooded roadways or through water.
  • Don’t walk through rushing water; as little as 6 inches of floodwater can knock you over.
  • Don’t rely solely on weather radar to determine dangers; dangerous winds can precede a storm by miles.
  • Don’t shelter near trees or other tall objects in a storm; shelter underneath a roof.
  • Don’t shelter under a bridge; winds can funnel and grow even stronger beneath it.
  • Don’t stay on or in the water if you see any lightning.
  • Don’t use a landline telephone during a storm, because lightning can travel through the wires.