Tornado watch in effect, heavy rains expected

A tornado watch is now in effect for our area until noon today and our area is under the highest risk of excessive rain throughout Indiana.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis says we can expect multiple rounds of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms. New rainfall of a half to three quarters of an inch is expected. Forecasters say our area is under the highest risk in the state of additional flooding or of the rainfall making existing flooding even worse.

Minor flooding on East Fork White River at Seymour has ended this morning. The river is at 11.8 feet this morning, just below the minor flood level. However, according to river gauge estimates, the river is expected to head back up into minor flooding early Thursday as more rain hits the East Fork White River Basin today.

Forecasters say that we are in for a windy day today. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory in effect from 8 this morning to 5 this afternoon. Sustained winds of up to 25 mph are expected, with wind gusts of up to 50 mph. You can expect any unsecured out door items to be blown about. Falling tree limbs and power lines are also possible.

A line of dangerous storms left a trail of damage across the Central U.S. overnight, bringing tornadoes, severe hail and flash flooding. Twisters touched down Tuesday night in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana causing extensive damage. There are reports of roofs torn off homes and uprooted trees. Softball-size hail was spotted about 60 miles south of Chicago.

So far, no injuries or deaths have been reported.