Violent Tornadoes, 90 MPH Winds Slam Michigan-Indiana Squall Line — SevereWX

A potent squall line is barreling toward southwest Lower Michigan, central and northern Indiana, far western Ohio, and eastern Illinois this evening, packing widespread 75-90 mph wind gusts, 1-1.75 inch hail, and a serious tornado threat including possible 120-145 mph violent twisters.

The NWS Storm Prediction Center's Mesoscale Discussion 1101 flags a 95% chance of a tornado watch issuance within the hour, east of Tornado Watch 313. An outflow boundary from earlier storms is lifting north, boosting instability to near 4000 J/kg MLCAPE south of it. North of the boundary, extreme low-level shear (250 m²/s² 0-1 km SRH) and clockwise curvature signal high tornado odds.

Expect damaging winds as the main event along and south of the boundary. Embedded QLCS tornadoes are likely, with occasional supercell tornadoes possible through the night. The HRRR model hints at pre-frontal supercells firing ahead in central/northern Indiana from a strengthening low-level jet, adding another tornado risk if they mature.

Impacts could hit near South Bend, Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, and even Chicago's eastern fringes tonight into early Friday.

Stay prepared: Monitor local NWS alerts, have a safe room ready, and keep power banks charged for overnight warnings. Check radar frequently as conditions evolve rapidly.