Spring in Indianapolis brings warmer temperatures, but it also marks the start of severe weather season. Tornadoes, hail, flooding and damaging winds are all common across Central Indiana, and emergency officials say preparation before storms hit can make a major difference.
According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, more than 1,500 tornadoes have been recorded in Indiana since 1950. In 2024 alone, the state saw 57 tornadoes.
This spring has already brought multiple tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings across Central Indiana, including Indianapolis and surrounding counties. Forecasters have warned residents about damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes during several storm systems in recent months.
“Severe Weather Preparedness Week serves as a great reminder of the increased potential for thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding in Indiana during the spring and early summer,” said David Hosick, director of public affairs at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, in a recent press release.
Emergency management officials encourage residents to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. While outdoor sirens are common across Indianapolis, they are designed to warn people who are outside and may not always be heard indoors.
“The time to figure out what to do during a tornado is not when tornado sirens are sounding off,” said Mary Moran, IDHS Emergency Management and Preparedness Director. “Hoosiers need to have a tornado plan and practice that plan, so when weather turns, your family, coworkers and friends already know where to go and what to do.”
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security recommends keeping a battery-powered weather radio, enabling emergency alerts on smartphones and monitoring local weather reports during severe weather events. Officials also recommend creating an emergency kit with essentials such as bottled water, flashlights, batteries, medications, important documents and nonperishable food for at least three days.
“For optimal protection, choose basements, storm cellars and inner rooms away from doors, windows and outer walls,” the Indiana Department of Homeland Security states on its preparedness website.
Residents living in mobile homes face additional risks during tornadoes and severe storms. Homeland Security officials urge those residents to identify a stronger nearby shelter ahead of time because mobile homes are especially vulnerable to high winds.
Hail is another major concern during spring storms. Severe thunderstorms in Indiana have recently produced hail large enough to damage roofs, vehicles and windows. Forecasters warned earlier this year that parts of Indiana, including Indianapolis, faced the possibility of baseball-sized hail during powerful storm systems.
“Simple actions, like getting a weather radio, preparing an emergency kit and making a disaster plan can make all the difference when severe weather strikes,” said Jonathan Whitham, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Indianapolis residents impacted by storms may be able to access assistance through several agencies and organizations:
Officials say one of the most important steps families can take is practicing what to do before an actual emergency happens. That includes knowing where to shelter, how to communicate if power goes out and how to quickly gather emergency supplies.
With severe weather season continuing through spring and summer, emergency managers say preparation now could help save lives later.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
