National Weather Service predicts strong storms, days of rain ahead of mild race weekend
Strong thunderstorms are expected to hit Indianapolis during the afternoon and evening of May 20. The possibility of a tornado "cannot be ruled out," according to the National Weather Service.
Rain showers will be constant through the afternoon. Isolated storms are possible before then, but forecasters don't expect widespread storms until about 4 p.m.
High winds are the most pressing threat. Winds within storms could reach up to 50 mph, and gusts throughout the day will be more moderate, about 20 to 25 mph. Flooding and hail are also possible.
Storms will end around 2 a.m. on May 21. Rain will continue to fall all day May 21 and May 22, but storms aren't predicted.
Forecasters are keeping an especially close eye on the flooding risk because of the steady rain, according to NWS meteorologist Earl Breon. Drivers should be mindful of flooding risk along their commutes.
"It's not uncommon for one place to get lighter amounts of precipitation and a place next door to experience flash flooding in a situation like this," Breon said.
The sun will come back out on May 23. Race weekend so far looks calm and temperate, with only a 30% chance of rain on May 25.
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