Indiana Emergency Preparedness Guide

Indiana's Hazard Landscape

Indiana occupies a unique position in America's weather geography. The state sits where the traditional "Tornado Alley" of the Great Plains meets "Dixie Alley" of the Southeast—meaning Indiana experiences the dangerous tornado characteristics of both regions. Add Lake Michigan's influence on northern Indiana weather, and you have one of the nation's most hazard-diverse states.

The state's flat to gently rolling terrain offers little protection from severe weather. Storms can race across Indiana's agricultural heartland with few natural barriers. When tornado warnings sound, there's no time to waste—these storms move fast and hit hard.

Indiana's preparedness challenges include severe weather year-round, significant regional variation in winter weather intensity, and earthquake risk that many residents underestimate. Understanding your specific region's primary hazards is essential for effective preparation.

Tornadoes: Indiana's Premier Threat

Indiana consistently ranks among America's most tornado-prone states. The combination of terrain, atmospheric dynamics, and position at the crossroads of two tornado regions creates ideal conditions for dangerous tornadoes.

Historic Indiana Tornadoes

The 1974 Super Outbreak devastated Indiana with multiple violent tornadoes. The F5 tornado that struck Monticello killed 19 people. Multiple communities across central and northern Indiana suffered catastrophic damage.

The 2012 Henryville Tornado (EF4) killed 13 people and destroyed much of the southern Indiana town. The tornado's path of destruction demonstrated that violent tornadoes can strike Indiana with little warning and devastating results.

November 2013 outbreak produced 30+ tornadoes across Indiana—reminding residents that significant tornadoes occur outside the traditional spring season.

Indiana Tornado Characteristics

• Dual seasonality: Spring peak (April-June) plus fall secondary peak (November)
• Nighttime risk: Southeast influence means more tornadoes after dark
• Fast-moving: Many Indiana tornadoes race at 50+ mph
• Embedded in lines: Tornadoes hidden within squall lines harder to see
• Rain-wrapped: Heavy rain can hide approaching tornadoes

Tornado Safety for Hoosiers

Know your shelter:

• Basement is best—go under stairs or sturdy furniture
• No basement: interior room on lowest floor (bathroom, closet)
• Stay away from windows and exterior walls
• Cover yourself with mattresses or heavy blankets
• Mobile home residents: leave immediately for sturdy structure

Multiple warning methods:

• NOAA weather radio with SAME alerts (essential for nighttime)
• Smartphone weather apps with alerts enabled
• Outdoor warning sirens (don't rely solely on these)
• Local TV/radio during active weather

Severe Thunderstorms

While tornadoes get attention, severe thunderstorms cause more cumulative damage across Indiana. These storms produce:

Damaging Winds

Derechos—long-lived windstorms—periodically sweep across Indiana with 60-100+ mph winds. The June 2012 derecho caused widespread damage across the state. Straight-line winds can cause tornado-like destruction across much larger areas.

Large Hail

Indiana supercells regularly produce hail exceeding golf ball size. Major hail events damage vehicles, roofs, crops, and injure people caught outside. Some storms produce grapefruit-sized or larger hail.

Flash Flooding

Indiana's clay soils and flat terrain create flash flood risk during heavy rainfall. Urban areas with limited drainage are particularly vulnerable. The rule applies: Turn Around, Don't Drown—never drive through flooded roads.

Winter Weather

Indiana winters vary dramatically from north to south, with Lake Michigan creating extreme snowfall gradients in the northwest corner.

Lake-Effect Snow

Northwest Indiana's lake-effect snowbelt (Lake, Porter, LaPorte counties) receives 60-100+ inches of snow annually—far more than central Indiana's 20-40 inches. Characteristics:

• Intense, localized bands dropping 2-4 inches per hour
• Near-zero visibility in heavy bands
• Can continue for days when conditions persist
• Dramatically different conditions just miles apart

Major Winter Storms

System storms affect the entire state:

• Blizzard of 1978: 20+ inches with massive drifts paralyzed Indiana
• January 2014: Polar vortex brought -15°F to -25°F temperatures
• February 2021: Persistent cold and snow tested the region

Ice Storms

Ice storms cause the most prolonged power outages. Central and southern Indiana are particularly vulnerable to ice accumulation that downs trees and power lines.

Winter Preparation

• Alternative heating source with proper ventilation
• 3-7 day supplies of food and water
• Vehicle winter emergency kit (mandatory)
• Carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup
• Know how to prevent frozen pipes

Flooding

Flooding affects Indiana through multiple mechanisms:

River Flooding

Major rivers prone to flooding:

• Wabash River: Indiana's largest river floods Terre Haute, Lafayette, and downstream communities
• White River: Affects Indianapolis and central Indiana
• Ohio River: Forms the southern border; floods impact Evansville, Madison, and river communities
• Maumee and St. Joseph Rivers: Fort Wayne area flooding

Flash Flooding

Indiana's clay soils absorb water slowly, increasing runoff. Urban areas experience flash flooding during intense rainfall, and small streams can rise rapidly.

Flood Preparation

• Know your flood zone
• Consider flood insurance (not covered by homeowners)
• Never drive through flooded roads
• Know evacuation routes away from flood-prone areas

Earthquakes

Many Hoosiers don't realize Indiana has genuine earthquake risk from two seismic zones:

Wabash Valley Seismic Zone

This zone in southwestern Indiana produces regular small earthquakes and has produced moderate earthquakes historically. The 2008 Mt. Carmel, Illinois earthquake (magnitude 5.2) was strongly felt across southern Indiana.

New Madrid Seismic Zone

The New Madrid fault, centered near the Missouri/Tennessee border, poses the greater long-term threat. The 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes (magnitude 7+) were strongly felt throughout Indiana. A similar event today would:

• Cause significant damage in southwestern Indiana
• Be felt strongly statewide
• Potentially damage bridges, pipelines, and infrastructure

Earthquake Preparedness

• Secure heavy furniture and water heaters
• Know how to shut off gas
• Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On
• Keep emergency supplies accessible

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Northwest Indiana (Gary, Hammond, Lake County)

Primary threats: Lake-effect snow, tornadoes, severe storms

• Extensive winter preparedness essential (60-100+ inches snow)
• Vehicle winter kit mandatory
• Tornado shelter identification
• 7+ day supplies for winter isolation

Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne area)

Primary threats: Severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, winter weather

• River flood awareness (Maumee, St. Joseph)
• Tornado shelter access
• Moderate winter preparation
• Weather radio for warnings

Central Indiana (Indianapolis metro)

Primary threats: Tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, winter storms

• Urban flash flood awareness
• Tornado shelter identification critical
• Heat wave preparation for summer
• Multiple warning methods

Southern Indiana (Evansville, Bloomington)

Primary threats: Tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes, ice storms

• Highest earthquake risk region—prepare accordingly
• Ohio River flood awareness
• Ice storm extended outage preparation
• Tornado shelter access critical

Indiana Emergency Resources

• Indiana Department of Homeland Security: dhs.in.gov
• Indiana 511: 511 Indiana
• NWS Indianapolis: weather.gov/ind
• NWS Northern Indiana: weather.gov/iwx
• NWS Paducah (SW Indiana): weather.gov/pah

Indiana Emergency Kit Essentials

Year-Round Supplies

• NOAA weather radio with SAME alerts
• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 3-7 days
• Non-perishable food for 3-7 days
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• Cash
• Important documents
• Phone chargers

Winter Additions (Critical for NW Indiana)

• Alternative heating with fuel
• Extra blankets and warm clothing
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Vehicle emergency kit
• Snow removal equipment