Tornado watch extended for Marion County, others
Marion County is under a tornado watch until at least 11 p.m. as the state is pummeled by a wave of thunderstorms that included hail and high winds, according to the National Weather Service.
Several counties surrounding Indianapolis, including Bartholomew, Decatur, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Morgan, Rush and Shelby counties, are also under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.
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Bartholomew, Brown, Johnson and Shelby counties were under a tornado warning until 8 p.m. The advisory area covers all of Brown County, northwestern Bartholomew County, southwestern Shelby County and southeastern Johnson County.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed,” NWS warned.
Residents in parts of southeastern Marion County reported pea-sized hail at around 7:15 p.m. The severe thunderstorm warning had advised that 60 mph winds and hail were possible.
A large and fast-moving tornado was spotted about 8 miles west of Bloomington, Fox59 reported just after 7 p.m. The storm is moving east at about 40 mph.
A tornado warning was in effect for Monroe County, including Bloomington, Ellettsville and Trevlac, until 7:30 p.m. A watch remains in effect until 9 p.m.
Tornado warning issued for Morgan County
At 6:35 p.m., a “severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado” was located near Martinsville, about 23 mph southwest of Indianapolis. The storm was moving northeast at 30 mph.
A tornado warning was in effect for northeastern Morgan County until 7 p.m. A watch remains in place until 9 p.m.
Temperatures will remain warmer today, with a high of 68 in the forecast, but once the thunderstorms move out, colder temperatures will move in Friday, Feb. 20, and through the weekend, along with a chance of snow on Sunday, Feb. 22.
According to NWS, category 2 means scattered severe storms are possible, but will be short-lived and/or not widespread. At this level, isolated and intense storms are possible.
Counties south of I-70 have been issued a level 3 by the Storm Prediction Center, which means there’s an enhanced risk. At a level 3, numerous severe storms are possible and they’re likely to be more persistent and/or widespread.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman and X, formerly Twitter, at @itskatiewiseman.
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