Breezy conditions on the afternoon on May 4 resulted in instances of zero to near-zero visibility as soil and dust was stirred up in northwest Indiana. Later on, isolated severe thunderstorms produced small hail and gusty wind.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS IWX wrote it up.
Breezy conditions on the afternoon on May 4 resulted in instances of zero to near-zero visibility as soil and dust was stirred up in northwest Indiana. Later on, isolated severe thunderstorms produced small hail and gusty wind.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Northern Indiana wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 4, 6:27 PM EST, 2 hours 39 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
727 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- There is a marginal to slight risk for severe storms this
evening and tonight (5pm to 1am EDT). Expect damaging winds to
60 mph, hail up to around 1 inch in diameter with severe
storms. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Heavy rain
and flooding is possible into the overnight hours.
- More widespread rain is expected Tuesday, with chances for
non- severe thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will be in
the 50s and 60s, warmest along and south of US 24.
- Chances for Rain Wednesday and Friday, with isolated
thunderstorms possible on Friday afternoon. Highs will be in
the 50s, low 60s. Lows will be in the mid to upper 30s
Wednesday night, and the 40s Thursday and Friday night.
&&
.UPDATE...
Issued at 725 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
SCT convection currently moving into the area ahead of a very
slow-moving cold front. Surface dewpoints struggling to get out
of the low 50s given deep mixing but steep midlevel lapse rates
still yielding 1000-1500 J/kg MLCAPE. Effective shear values are
relatively modest around 25-30 kts and in the absence of good
forcing for ascent, storms are struggling to organize. That will
continue to be the case for the next few hours. Some isolated 1"
hail and damaging winds are still possible in the W/NW zones
where slightly better moisture/instability reside and sun
remains up a bit longer. These storms will steadily weaken as
they move east during the late evening though with the loss of
daytime heating. Severe threat should diminish after 03Z as
storms approach the I-69 corridor.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 311 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
This evening-tonight's marginal risk for severe weather was upgraded
to a slight risk for portions of the area. Confidence in severe
weather occurring is medium. There are some uncertainties with
regards to the start time of the event. Much of the guidance
initiates storms closest to 7-8 pm EDT, but there are still several
models that begin closer to 5-6 pm EDT. A lot will depend on the
available moisture-which could limit development initially (well
mixed boundary layer from full sun earlier today). A decent cu field
has developed for areas west or just along I 69 as of this writing.
Dewpoints are in the mid-upper 40s and low 50s, driest further north
in MI/NW Ohio. This is lower than what the earlier timed models
suggest (NAM/RAP)--values are closer in line to the HRRR. If the
HRRR is right, development may be closer to 8 pm EDT when the better
moisture arrives (still only mid 50s) with strengthening of the LLJ.
Main focus for convection will be a mid-level wave riding up from
the southwest this evening (aforementioned "warm-front-like" feature
in prev. AFD)-then the cold front that drops from NW to SE through
the overnight. The main threat with any severe storms would be
damaging wind gusts given inverted-V type soundings. Large hail is
also possible with 25-35 knots of 0-6km shear and mid level lapse
rates around 7C/KM (could be slightly higher further south of US 30
this evening per the NAM). Heavy rain and ponding of water on the
roads is a threat in any thunderstorms, however overnight there
could be some minor flooding in areas that receive repeated storm
activity (from both the earlier wave ahead of the cold front and
then the cold front itself).
SPC did add a 2 percent tornado risk with the increased low level
shear (decent hodographs)...however it's conditional on moisture
profiles as well (which is our greatest uncertainty). If we get the
deeper moisture we could see LCL's in the 500-1000 m range (more
favorable for tor risk). Per their discussion, they will re-
evaluate the moisture quality for the tor risk.
Otherwise, cold front continues eastward through Tuesday, stalling
near US 24, with surface low riding up along/southeast of it through
the afternoon. Rain will be fairly widespread (especially along this
corridor), with chances for a few thunderstorms (Non-severe). As the
surface low drifts E-SE through Wednesday, expect dwindling chances.
Dry conditions Thu, then chances for rain and a few storms return
Fri into the weekend. Highs Wed-Fri will be in the 50s, low 60s.
Overnight lows will be in the mid-upper 30s Wed night (coldest
along/north of I 80-90) with light winds-so there could be some
frost potential. Warmer Sat-Sun with highs in the mid-upper 60s, low
70s.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 725 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
Cold front and associated clusters of storms currently
approaching the area. These clusters will impact KSBN during
the next 4 hours and KFWA roughly 03-06Z. However, instability
will be waning by the time they reach KFWA and they could weaken
to just showers. There will be a brief lull in rain late tonight
but additional rain is likely on Tuesday as this front stalls
over the region. A few additional storms are possible at KFWA on
Tuesday but chances are low as is confidence in timing so will
hold off on mentioning for now. Some MVFR ceilings also likely
at KFWA Tuesday morning as cooler air filters into the area.
&&
.IWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IN...None.
OH...None.
MI...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for LMZ043-
046.
&&
UPDATE...AGD
DISCUSSION...MCD
AVIATION...AGDSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
757 PM CDT Mon May 4 2026
INZ103-050130-
Northern La Porte IN-
757 PM CDT Mon May 4 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN LA PORTE COUNTY THROUGH
830 PM CDT...
At 757 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Town of Pines, or near Michigan City, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Michigan City, Trail Creek, Long Beach, and Pottawattamie Park
around 800 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Byron, Hudson Lake,
Hesston, Waterford, Michiana Shores, Springville, Pottawattomie Park,
and Rolling Prarie.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 80 in Indiana between mile markers 43 and 61.
Interstate 94 in Indiana between mile markers 33 and 45.
Interstate 94 in Michigan near mile marker 0.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4173 8690 4176 8682 4176 8653 4165 8653
4165 8649 4158 8649 4162 8693 4171 8693
TIME...MOT...LOC 0057Z 270DEG 37KT 4172 8696
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
NWSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
921 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
INZ005-104-MIZ078-050145-
Eastern St. Joseph IN-Elkhart IN-Cass MI-
921 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN ELKHART...
NORTHEASTERN ST. JOSEPH AND SOUTHERN CASS COUNTIES THROUGH 945 PM
EDT...
At 921 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Niles, moving east at 60 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
South Bend, Elkhart, Mishawaka, Niles, Granger, Simonton Lake,
Cassopolis, Bristol, Edwardsburg, Roseland, Union, Indian Village,
Dailey, Paradise Lake, Barron Lake, Calvin Center, Adamsville, Juno
Lake, Donnell Lake, and Jones.
This includes Interstate 80 in Indiana between mile markers 77 and
103.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4180 8576 4177 8579 4176 8578 4176 8575
4167 8575 4170 8627 4176 8625 4176 8623
4190 8622 4191 8576
TIME...MOT...LOC 0121Z 275DEG 51KT 4184 8630
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
NWSPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
949 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0726 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 2 WNW Michigan City 41.73N 86.91W
05/04/2026 M58 MPH LMZ046 IN C-Man Station
MCYI3 gusted to 50.7 kts at 19:26 EDT.
&&
MJSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
950 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
INZ103-104-203-204-050215-
Eastern St. Joseph IN-Western St. Joseph IN-Northern La Porte IN-
Southern La Porte IN-
950 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT ST. JOSEPH AND EAST CENTRAL LA
PORTE COUNTIES THROUGH 1015 PM EDT/915 PM CDT/...
At 950 PM EDT/850 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm 7 miles northeast of Kingsford Heights, or 8 miles
southeast of La Porte, moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
South Bend, Mishawaka, La Porte, Gulivoire Park, Granger, Osceola,
Walkerton, North Liberty, Kingsford Heights, Lakeville, Kingsbury,
South Center, Salem Heights, Fish Lake, Tracy, Crumstown, Stillwell,
Woodland, and Wyatt.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4162 8670 4172 8607 4148 8607 4148 8647
4144 8647 4143 8664 4142 8668
TIME...MOT...LOC 0150Z 263DEG 39KT 4155 8658
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
NWSPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
957 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0953 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Kingsford Heights 41.48N 86.69W
05/04/2026 E55 MPH La Porte IN Trained Spotter
Spotter estimated 50 to 55 mph wind gusts in
Kingsford Heights.
&&
MJSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
900 PM CDT Mon May 4 2026
INZ012-203-050230-
Southern La Porte IN-Starke IN-
900 PM CDT Mon May 4 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT STARKE AND SOUTHERN LA PORTE
COUNTIES THROUGH 930 PM CDT...
At 859 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
La Crosse, or 12 miles west of Knox, moving east at 60 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Knox, North Judson, Hamlet, La Crosse, Koontz Lake, Oak Grove, Hanna,
Thomaston, Lomax, Ober, English Lake, South Wanatah, Brems, Toto,
Winona, Bass Lake, and Grovertown.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4141 8693 4145 8653 4143 8652 4143 8647
4122 8647 4122 8693
TIME...MOT...LOC 0159Z 268DEG 54KT 4133 8686
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
NWSThe Northern Indiana radar (KIWX), 66 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 02:03 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Reports of a few trees downed just west of North Liberty.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Indiana in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Indiana, May 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1334266.