Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Indianapolis and Nearby Areas Until 11:30 PM

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of central Indiana, including Indianapolis, Greenwood, and Lawrence, as severe weather continues to impact the region. The warning remains in effect until 11:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, according to an alert from the NWS Indianapolis.

The warning follows a night of intense storms that swept through central Indiana, leaving widespread damage, power outages, and hazardous conditions. The NWS has emphasized the potential for damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes as the primary threats, with storm activity expected to persist into the late evening hours.

Storm Impact and Power Outages

As of early Tuesday morning, utility providers reported thousands of customers without power across central Indiana. Duke Energy indicated approximately 11,000 customers were affected statewide, down from nearly 20,000 earlier in the night. Meanwhile, AES Indiana reported around 2,500 outages in the Indianapolis area, a decrease from roughly 3,700 earlier. Additional outages were reported by South Central Indiana REMC, with 539 customers affected in Morgan County, 95 in Brown County, 85 in Monroe County, and 142 in Owen County.

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid flooded roads and downed power lines. The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple instances of downed trees and electrical hazards, advising motorists to report such dangers to dispatchers. Emergency responders have been handling a high volume of calls related to storm damage.

School Closures and Delays

The storm’s aftermath has disrupted morning commutes and school operations in several districts. Brown County Schools announced a two-hour delay for Tuesday due to flooded roads and debris. Similarly, the Anderson Community School Corporation reported that Highland Middle School would remain closed for the day due to ongoing power issues, while all other district schools would operate on a two-hour delay.

Flooding and Additional Weather Advisories

In addition to the severe thunderstorm warning, the NWS Louisville issued a Flood Advisory for the Blue River at Fredericksburg, affecting Harrison and Washington Counties. The advisory, effective until 9:22 p.m. EDT, warns of rising water levels due to heavy rainfall overnight. Forecasts indicate the river may reach 20.5 feet by Tuesday afternoon, approaching levels that could flood backroads and approach U.S. Highway 150.

The NWS has advised residents to avoid driving through flooded areas, noting that water depth and fast-moving debris can create unsafe conditions. Officials emphasized the importance of relying on official weather service updates rather than third-party sources for critical decision-making.

Ongoing Threats and Safety Precautions

The severe weather system has already produced multiple tornado warnings across central Indiana, including alerts for Greene, Monroe, Owen, Hancock, Johnson, Marion, and Shelby Counties. Radar-indicated rotation has been detected in several storms, with one particularly strong cell moving east at 50 mph near Frankfort late Monday evening. The storm crossed Interstate 65 between mile markers 145 and 162, impacting communities such as Thorntown, Kirklin, and Clarks Hill.

Residents are advised to stay indoors, monitor local weather updates, and prepare for possible power disruptions. The NWS has urged those in affected areas to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including NOAA Weather Radio and mobile notifications.

As the storm system moves through the region, additional warnings and advisories are expected. The NWS will continue to provide real-time updates on evolving conditions.