Severe Storms Could Hit Indiana Sunday Before Snow Monday

Most of Indiana is now under a heightened risk for severe weather Sunday evening as a powerful storm system moves across the state.

The National Weather Service says a large portion of the state falls within an Enhanced Risk for severe storms, which is a Level 3 out of 5 on the severe weather scale. That means numerous severe storms are possible.

Forecasters say the biggest concern Sunday night will be damaging straight-line winds, though isolated tornadoes and hail cannot be ruled out.

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According to WEHT Chief Meteorologist Wayne Hart, the most likely timing for storms across southern Indiana is between about 7 PM and midnight Sunday as a powerful cold front sweeps across the state.

Read More: Tornado Safety When You're Away From Home

Damaging Winds Could Reach 70 MPH

Meteorologists say the storm system will contain extremely strong winds in the upper atmosphere.

If storms tap into that energy, it could lead to widespread wind gusts between 60 and 70 miles per hour.

Those types of winds can bring down trees, damage structures, and cause scattered power outages.

While the tornado risk appears more limited due to lower instability, forecasters say quick-spin-up tornadoes could still develop within the line of storms.

Read More: How To Keep Pets Safe During Severe Weather

Storms May Form A Fast Moving Squall Line

Forecasters with the NWS expect storms to develop along the advancing cold front and organize into a fast-moving squall line moving west to east across Indiana Sunday evening.

Some of these storms may contain large hail, but wind damage remains the primary concern.

The storms may also produce little lightning, which sometimes occurs with powerful wind-driven storm lines.

Weather Could Flip To Snow By Monday

Behind the cold front, temperatures are expected to drop quickly across parts of Indiana.

Some areas could even see snow showers on Monday, creating a dramatic shift from severe thunderstorms the night before.

While significant snow accumulation is not expected statewide, the rapid temperature drop will make it feel much colder early next week, and windchills are expected to fall into the single digits through Wednesday, according to the Evansville/Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency.

Read More: Know The Difference Between Watches And Warnings

What Indiana Residents Should Do Now

Forecasters recommend preparing now by reviewing severe weather plans.

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and know where to shelter if warnings are issued.

Because the storms will likely move quickly, warnings may provide only minutes to take action.