Strong winds caused damage across parts of Indiana earlier today as a powerful storm system pushed toward the region. Downed trees and power lines were reported in multiple counties, and forecasters warn another round of damaging winds and possible tornadoes could move through central Indiana la ter tonight. Earlier wind reports showed just how strong the system already is. Gusts reached 56 mph in Bloomington and Indianapolis, 59 mph in Shelbyville, and 60 mph in Fort Wayne. Those winds were strong enough to bring down trees and power lines across several counties, including Putnam, Monroe, Bartholomew, Delaware, Hancock, Rush, Jay, Ripley, Warrick, and Vanderburgh. Additional damage was reported in Sullivan, where a carport was damaged, and in La Fontaine, where a tree fell onto a house. As of 9:30 p.m., about 9,000 power outages had already been reported across Indiana, and that number could rise as storms move through overnight. The winds are being driven by a powerful low pressure system moving through the Midwest. Strong winds several thousand feet above the ground are being pulled down toward the surface, especially when thunderstorms develop along a cold front. A Tornado Watch has been issued for central Indiana until 3 a.m., although the most intense storms are expected earlier in the evening as a fast moving squall line pushes east across the state. According to the National Weather Service, the line of storms is expected to reach western Indiana around 9 to 10 p.m., move into the Indianapolis metro between 10 and 11 p.m., and then continue east across the rest of the state after midnight. The primary threat with these storms will be damaging straight line winds, but isolated tornadoes are also possible, especially within embedded circulations inside the line of storms. Forecast guidance suggests the most probable peak tornado intensity could reach 85 to 115 mph, while wind gusts within the strongest storms could reach 75 to 90 mph. Once the storms pass, a sharp change in weather will follow. Much colder air will rush in behind the strong cold front, and snowflakes may mix in Monday morning and afternoon as temperatures drop. The dramatic shift from severe storms to possible snow highlights the strength of the powerful spring storm system now moving through the region. ...read more read less