RICHMOND, Indiana — A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Richmond, Connersville and Centerville until 7:30 PM EDT after radar indicated a storm capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and 0.75 inch hail. The storm was moving at 20 mph, slower than many severe thunderstorms, which meant communities in its path faced a longer stretch of hazardous weather.
What the Warning Said
Radar tracked a strong storm cell moving through Richmond, Connersville and Centerville, with the warning set to expire about an hour after being issued, at 7:30 PM EDT.
- Radar reflectivity inside the core of the storm reached 42 dBZ, a sign of heavy rain and a storm strong enough to support hail production.
- The storm’s forward speed was clocked at 20 mph, notably slower than many severe thunderstorms, which can mean longer-lasting impacts for any one location.
- Radar indicated the storm was capable of producing hail up to 0.75 inch in diameter along with wind gusts as high as 60 mph.
- The warning was set to expire in about an hour from the time it was issued, at 7:30 PM EDT.
A Slower Storm Can Mean Longer Impacts
Most severe thunderstorms move through an area in a matter of minutes, but this storm’s 20 mph forward speed was noticeably slower. A slower-moving storm spends more time over the same neighborhoods, which can mean heavier rainfall totals, a longer window of damaging wind gusts and more time for hail to fall in one place before the storm moves on.
Where the Warning Polygon Stretches
The warning polygon extended well beyond the three cities named in the alert, stretching from near Cambridge City and Milton in the west through Centerville and Richmond in the northeast, then south through Boston, Abington, Waterloo and Brownsville down to Connersville. That long, narrow shape follows the direction the storm was expected to travel, which is why warning polygons are almost never simple circles or squares. Residents anywhere inside that stretched area were included in the warning, even in towns not specifically named in the headline.
Why the Warning Was Issued Even With Hail Under 1 Inch
A storm officially qualifies for a Severe Thunderstorm Warning if it produces wind gusts of at least 58 mph, hail of 1 inch or larger, or both. This storm’s radar-indicated 60 mph wind gusts cleared that bar on their own, which is why the warning went out even though the 0.75 inch hail estimate fell short of the 1-inch hail threshold. The hail threat was still included because it adds real risk on top of the wind, not because it met the hail criteria by itself.
What 0.75 Inch Hail and 60 MPH Winds Can Do
Hail measuring 0.75 inch is roughly the size of a penny, large enough to dent softer vehicle panels, damage siding and shred garden plants. Wind gusts of 60 mph can snap weak tree limbs, bring down power lines and make driving dangerous, particularly for high-profile vehicles like trucks and vans. Together, the two threats meant residents across the warned area faced the possibility of both wind damage and hail damage from the same storm.
What Residents in Richmond, Connersville and Centerville Should Do
- Move away from windows and stay inside a sturdy building until the warning expires at 7:30 PM EDT.
- Bring pets and any loose outdoor items indoors before the storm arrives.
- If driving, slow down and find a safe place to pull over rather than continuing through 60 mph wind gusts or hail.
- Avoid parking under trees or power lines, since both can come down in gusts this strong.
- Keep a phone charged and nearby in case follow-up warnings are issued for the same storm.
After the Storm Passes
Once the 7:30 PM EDT expiration passes, residents should still watch for downed limbs, damaged siding and power outages before assuming the danger is fully over. Downed power lines in particular should be treated as live and reported rather than approached, especially in neighborhoods that took the brunt of the 60 mph gusts.
