Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and Ohio Facing Sunday Severe Weather Threat With Damaging Winds Possible

INDIANA — A fast-moving cold front will bring a multi-state severe weather risk on Sunday, with the greatest threat centered across Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and Ohio. While instability is expected to remain limited, deep moisture and strong forcing will be enough to generate a narrow but intense line of storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and a very low but non-zero tornado chance.

Strong Cold Front Driving Sunday’s Severe Setup

Meteorologists say a powerful cold front will sweep into the Midwest and the Ohio Valley on December 28, creating conditions supportive of scattered thunderstorms. Even though atmospheric instability will be weak, the system’s dynamics are strong enough to fuel a skinny line of fast-moving storms.

Forecasters highlight that deep moisture, enhanced lift, and a tightening pressure gradient will help storms develop quickly as the front pushes through.

Damaging Wind Gusts Are the Main Concern

The primary threat on Sunday will be straight-line damaging winds, which could reach severe levels in parts of:

• Central and Southern Indiana
• Eastern Illinois
• Eastern Missouri (including St. Louis region)
• Western and Middle Tennessee
• Southwestern and Central Ohio

A Marginal Risk (5% level) has been issued for a wide stretch of the Midwest and lower Ohio Valley, signaling the potential for storms capable of producing isolated wind damage.

Although the tornado threat is described as very low, forecasters do note the possibility of a brief QLCS tornado, which can form within fast-moving squall lines.

Storm Timing and Monitoring

Storm development is expected during the afternoon and evening hours Sunday, with the line rapidly advancing eastward as the cold front strengthens. Residents should stay weather-aware, particularly in areas where winds have already been gusty in recent days.

Forecasters emphasize that the setup is still evolving and that timing and local impacts will become clearer in the next 24 to 36 hours. Even with a low-end severe risk, damaging gusts can quickly cause problems such as:

• Tree limb damage
• Localized power outages
• Hazardous driving conditions
• Flying debris from unsecured outdoor items

Communities across the Midwest and Ohio Valley should monitor forecasts closely as the event approaches. Stay updated with developing weather alerts and regional impact reports at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.