Severe Thunderstorm and Air Quality Alert Issued for Indiana Residents

A strong thunderstorm with wind gusts up to 40 mph and half-inch hail is affecting parts of Indiana, particularly northwestern Elkhart and neighboring areas, until 8:45 PM EDT. Additionally, June 17 is designated an Air Quality Action Day due to unhealthy ozone levels, urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities. Residents are advised to take various precautions.

A severe weather alert has been issued for several counties in Indiana, highlighting a strong thunderstorm affecting northwestern Elkhart, northeastern St. Joseph, and southwestern Cass Counties until approximately 8:45 PM EDT. As of 8:17 PM EDT, Doppler radar detected the storm moving eastward at a pace of 10 mph, originating near Granger.

The hazards associated with this storm include wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and hail potentially measuring half an inch. According to radar reports, these conditions could uproot tree limbs and shift unsecured objects around. Residents can also expect minor hail damage to their plants.

Areas likely to be affected comprise Elkhart, Mishawaka, Granger, Simonton Lake, Edwardsburg, Adamsville, Juno Lake, and Eagle Lake. Highways in jeopardy include stretches of Interstate 80 in Indiana, specifically between mile markers 81 and 91.

Weather officials encourage those outdoors to take cover inside a secure building, as heavy rainfall accompanies this storm, raising the risk of localized flooding. Motorists are reminded not to attempt driving through flooded roads, which can be particularly hazardous.

In addition to the thunderstorm alert, Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day for June 17, indicating unhealthy ozone levels particularly for sensitive groups. This includes individuals with asthma or other respiratory problems, who are advised to limit outdoor activity.

Public health officials suggest several actions to mitigate the impact of poor air quality. Residents are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool, or utilize public transportation whenever possible. To further lower emissions, it is recommended to avoid drive-through services, consolidate errands, and refrain from refueling vehicles or using gas-powered tools before 7 PM.

Residents should also turn off their vehicle engines when idling for more than 30 seconds and conserve energy at home by switching off unnecessary lights or setting air conditioning to 75 degrees or higher.

For further details on air quality status in the state, individuals can refer to the Smog Watch page at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s website.

In conclusion, residents in Indiana need to prepare for severe thunderstorms producing strong winds and hail, with significant rainfall threatening localized flooding. Additionally, everyone should be aware of the Air Quality Action Day for ozone, which particularly affects people with respiratory conditions, promoting actions to preserve air quality and public health.

Original Source: www.goshennews.com