Indianapolis started Wednesday, April 1, under a blanket of low clouds and that familiar spring stickiness, with temperatures in the mid-50s and plenty of moisture in the air. Showers and thunderstorms are likely on and off through the day, with the steadiest rain and the biggest travel slowdowns expected during the afternoon commute and again later tonight.
Timing and impacts
Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday, with highs near 61°F and an 80 to 90 percent chance of rain. Forecasters say some storms could dump brief, heavy downpours. Many neighborhoods could pick up a quarter to a half inch of new rain, enough to make roads slick and visibility lousy at times.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service warn that training storms that repeatedly pass over the same areas could trigger localized flooding along low-lying corridors and slow commutes.
Flooding and the commute
Hydrologic models are flagging a growing flood concern if multiple rounds of storms do stack up over the same spots, especially near the Wabash River and portions of the lower White and East Fork White. The main local issue is flash flooding along small creeks and low-lying roads.
Drivers are urged to avoid standing water and plan extra time for trips, particularly during the evening rush. If you come up on a flooded roadway, the guidance is simple: turn around and do not drive through it.
Thursday winds and weekend risk
Thursday is expected to turn much warmer, with highs near 79°F and strong southerly winds that could gust into the mid-30s. The most likely window for stronger, potentially severe storms runs from late day into the overnight hours.
Another potent system moves in Friday into Saturday, bringing additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms along with a continued risk for localized flooding. A cooler, drier pattern is forecast to settle in early next week.
If you have outdoor plans Thursday night or Saturday afternoon, keep a close eye on the sky and have an indoor backup ready.
How to prepare
Officials recommend charging phones, securing loose outdoor items, and shifting outdoor plans indoors when storms are in the forecast. If you need to be on the road, slow down in heavy rain and pad your commute with extra time.
Stay on top of watches and warnings, and check on road conditions through INDOT’s TrafficWise map and cameras at 511IN before you head out.
