Huntington County Emergency Management

More information from US National Weather Service Northern Indiana

4pm EDT: Cloudy and rainy conditions this hour, but we continue to see evidence that we’re not out of the woods yet. A variety of model guidance continue to suggest that we will have time “recover” and that severe storms remain possible. Remain weather aware this evening.

WEATHER UPDATE – RISK LEVEL LOWERED FOR HUNTINGTON COUNTY

As of this update, Huntington County has been downgraded to a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather today by the NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center.

While this is encouraging news, a Level 2 risk does NOT mean the threat is gone. Severe thunderstorms remain possible, with hazards including:

• Damaging wind gusts
• Large hail
• Heavy rainfall
• An isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out

We are currently reviewing the latest forecast information and coordinating with our weather partners. Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Now is still a good time to:
✅ Review your severe weather safety plan
✅ Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings
✅ Keep phones charged and emergency notifications enabled
✅ Stay weather aware throughout the day and evening

Outdated information

HUNTINGTON COUNTY SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE

While some positive trends have developed this afternoon, Huntington County remains under a Level 3 of 5 (Enhanced Risk) for severe weather today and tonight.

The latest briefing from the National Weather Service continues to highlight the potential for a significant severe weather event this evening, especially between 5:00 PM and Midnight EDT.

Main Hazards

- Damaging winds in excess of 70 mph
- Large hail
- Tornadoes, including the potential for strong tornadoes
- Heavy rainfall and localized flooding

Current Risk Assessment for Huntington County

- 30-44% probability of damaging severe winds within 25 miles of any point in the county.

- 10-14% probability of tornadoes within 25 miles of any point in the county.

- Huntington County remains within the area where significant severe wind gusts (>70 mph) are possible.

What Has Changed?

Some earlier forecast updates suggested a lower overall threat across portions of northern Indiana due to ongoing rainfall and reduced instability. However, forecasters continue to expect conditions to become favorable for severe thunderstorm development later this afternoon and evening.

Timing

Greatest threat window: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM EDT

What You Should Do Now

- Review your severe weather safety plan.
- Have multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and trusted weather apps.
- Be prepared to take shelter quickly if a warning is issued.
- Monitor forecasts closely as conditions can change rapidly.

Huntington County Emergency Management/Dispatch will continue monitoring conditions throughout the evening and will provide updates as needed. Stay weather aware and be prepared to act if warnings are issued.

⚠️ STORM SHELTER INFORMATION & SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY ⚠️

With the threat for severe weather tonight, Huntington County EMA has received questions about public storm shelters.

At this time, there are no designated public tornado shelters open within Huntington County.

Now is the time to identify the safest location in your home or workplace should a Tornado Warning be issued. The best shelter is a basement. If a basement is not available, move to the lowest floor and seek shelter in a small interior room, hallway, closet, or bathroom away from windows and exterior walls.

If you live in a manufactured home or other structure that may not provide adequate protection during severe weather, make plans now for where you will go if a warning is issued. Do not wait until severe weather is occurring to make those decisions.

Remember:
- Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
- Keep your phone charged.
- Monitor trusted weather sources.
- Be prepared to take action immediately if a warning is issued.
- Sign up for EMA alerts by texting EMAAlerts to 226787.

OUTDOOR warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors. They are not intended to be heard indoors and should never be your only method of receiving weather warnings.

Stay weather aware and have a plan before storms arrive.