Severe thunderstorms heading southeast from Chicago; Watch in effect until 9 p.m.

Our area is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m. tonight.

According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, a wave of intense, severe storms are making their way southeast from the Chicago area. Tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds are all happening with these storms. The greatest danger is from damaging winds.

The storms are forecast to be in our area between 5:50 and 6:50 p.m. this afternoon and evening.

Parts of Bartholomew, Brown and all of Johnson, Shelby and Decatur counties are under an enhanced risk of severe weather, the third of the five risk levels tracked by the weather service. The rest of the area is under the lower slight risk level, including southern Bartholomew and Brown counties, and all of Jackson and Jennings counties.

Emergency officials urge you to take steps to prepare yourself for severe weather. They suggest that you ensure you have several ways to receive weather warnings, that you make sure your cell phone and other essential devices are fully charged and to make sure that you have a severe weather safety plan and know where you will go to seek shelter at home and work if there is a severe thunderstorm or tornado.