Indiana Tornadoes: What You Need to Know for Safety and Preparedness

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Tornadoes are a serious threat in Indiana, with an average of 22 yearly. This may worsen because, as our climate has changed, Tornado Alley has shifted east and now includes southern Indiana. While tornado season peaks from April to June in Indiana, tornadoes have been recorded every month of the year. As severe weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, being prepared is more important than ever. Knowing when tornadoes are most likely, recognizing the warning signs, and having a solid emergency plan can make all the difference when seconds count.

When Is Tornado Season in Indiana?

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado season in Indiana typically lasts from April to June, with the most happening in June. Still, tornadoes can and have struck Indiana every month of the year. As severe storms become more unpredictable, emergency preparation is more critical than ever.

How To Stay Updated on Indiana Tornado Warnings

Listen to local radio or television broadcasts.
Sign up for your community’s warning system if they have one.
Listen for tornado sirens if your community has them.
Check for alerts on the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Set up a weather app on your phone that provides local weather alerts.
Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.

How To Prepare for a Tornado in Indiana

Take the following steps to prepare for emergencies and include the whole family in your preparations.

Identify Storm Shelters or Safe Rooms

Determine the safest rooms in your home, ideally ones that meet FEMA criteria. Identify the nearest storm shelters where you spend significant time, including your home, workplace, school, shopping malls, and anywhere else. This ensures you can quickly reach safety if a tornado warning is issued or you spot signs of a developing storm.

Create an Emergency Plan

Prepare an emergency kit and establish a household emergency plan. Store your emergency kit in a clean, dry bin within your designated tornado shelter or safest room. If your home lacks a safe refuge, keep the kit near an exit so you can grab it quickly when heading to the nearest safe room or shelter.

Your emergency plan should include a family communication plan. Ensure every household member knows who to contact, how to reach them, where to go when at home, work, or school, and where the emergency kit is stored. You should also account for situations where family members are not home and establish a backup meeting location in case your house is unsafe. To reinforce these steps, practice your plan with your family at least once a year.

Your emergency kit should include:

3 days’ worth of non-perishable food and water for every household member, including pets
Necessary medications for all family members
A complete first-aid kit
Dust masks
A whistle to signal for help
Blankets, jackets, and warm, dry clothing
A radio for emergency broadcasts
Rechargeable LED flashlights
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Cash for supplies in case of power outages
A household emergency power supply to keep essential devices charged

The best emergency generators are portable power stations instead of traditional gas generators. Gas generators can never be brought indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 400 people yearly. The EcoFlow Portable Power Stations use no fossil fuels, produce no pollution, and are perfectly safe indoors.

When deciding what backup size you need, consider your most essential appliances. This might be medical equipment, a refrigerator, or a freezer to prevent food spoilage. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus, with 1024Wh capacity, is perfect for keeping your devices charged and running an essential appliance or two, depending on their wattage.

However, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 will keep you powered up if you have multiple appliances. It starts at 4000W and can run 120V and 240V appliances. All EcoFlow DELTA models are expandable with extra batteries and can be recharged with solar panels during an extended power outage. If you have rooftop panels, ensure they are secure to help prevent damage during severe storms. You can also get portable solar panels easily set up after the storm has passed.

Keeping an EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank on hand is perfect for charging your phone. It’s about the size of a phone, making it easy to put in your pocket if you need to leave quickly.

Sign Up For a Warning System

Signing up for your community’s warning system is a smart way to stay informed about storms, power outages, damage reports, and locations to avoid. If your community doesn’t have one, use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the NOAA Weather Radio for emergency notifications. Additionally, if tornado sirens are used in your area, ensure everyone in your household recognizes the warning tone.

Stay Alert

Don’t always rely on alerts. Stay alert and watch for shifting weather patterns, recognizing the warning signs of an approaching tornado. These include:

A dark sky, sometimes with a greenish hue
Large, dark, low-lying clouds, particularly if they are rotating
A funnel-shaped cloud forming
Large hail
A loud roaring sound, similar to a freight train

Don’t wait for an alert if you notice any warning signs; take action immediately.

What To Do When a Tornado Hits Indiana

When you hear a warning, you typically only have 10-15 minutes to prepare, so grab your emergency kit and head to the nearest safe shelter without delay. Flying debris causes most injuries from tornadoes, so shield your head as you move to safety.
If you’re in a school, hospital, nursing home, factory, shopping mall, or high-rise building, go to a designated storm shelter, basement, or the lowest level available. If a basement is not an option, find a small interior room like a closet or hallway. Stay away from windows, doors, corners, and exterior walls, putting as many barriers between you and the outside as possible. If possible, get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Cover your head and neck with your arms.
Continue monitoring emergency broadcasts. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio and TV newscasts for real-time updates. Stay informed and follow all instructions from local emergency officials.
Once the danger is over, check for injuries around you. If trapped, use a whistle or bang on pipes to alert rescuers instead of shouting. A dust mask can help protect your lungs from debris in the air.
Check your power status. If it’s out, power up your EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator to keep your essential appliances running.
Stay put unless you need urgent medical care. Roads may be blocked by debris, fallen power lines, or other hazards, and emergency responders need a clear path to help those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Indiana Part of Tornado Alley?

Indiana was not part of the historical Tornado Alley in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. However, as our climate has changed, Tornado Alley has moved east, and parts of southern Indiana are now in the new Tornado Alley.

Are Tornadoes Common in Indiana?

Tornadoes are relatively common in Indiana, averaging 22 per year. In fact, as the climate has changed, Tornado Alley has shifted eastwards and includes parts of southern Indiana. They mainly occur from April to June, peaking in June, but can happen anytime.

Final Thoughts

Tornadoes are a fact of life in Indiana, especially now that Tornado Alley has shifted east into southern Indiana. Still, proper preparation can help keep you and your family safe. Knowing the warning signs of tornadoes, how to stay informed, and having an emergency plan with a well-stocked kit can make all the difference. A reliable power source like the EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator ensures you’ll have backup power when it matters most. Stay alert, stay prepared, and stay safe.