Severe thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon and evening in Monroe County, with the potential for isolated tornadoes.
The county is under a tornado watch until 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The NWS issues a tornado watch when tornadoes are possible in and around the area.
Much of South Central Indiana, including Bloomington and all of Monroe County, is under “enhanced risk” for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service. That’s the third-highest level of risk. Damaging winds and tornadoes are the main threats.
Monroe County Emergency Management wrote in a Facebook post that 3-7 p.m. is the timeframe with the most concern for tornadoes, with the potential for an isolated “strong tornado.” The agency wrote severe weather could occur between 3-10 p.m. Damaging winds and hail are other possible hazards.
According to the NWS, rain and thunderstorms are forecast through midnight, with continued isolated showers and wind gusts up to 30 mph until daybreak. The chance of precipitation for the evening is 80%.
Monroe County Emergency Management recommends having several ways to receive weather alerts and not relying on sirens, which are meant to warn people outdoors. The agency also suggests preparing for power outages, planning for shelter in case of a tornado, avoiding travel through flooded areas and watching for downed trees and power lines.
Residents can sign up for the Monroe County Alert System online and monitor local news and weather reports. More alert systems are available on Monroe County Emergency Management’s Facebook post.
If a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and there’s imminent danger to life and property, a watch will be updated to a warning. A tornado emergency, which is the rarest and most severe alert, occurs when “a violent tornado has touched down,” causing a severe threat to life and property and confirmed catastrophic damage.
UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect Monroe County’s tornado watch status.
