Monroe County is under a tornado watch until 9:30 p.m. Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service. IU Alert advised anyone in the area to seek shelter immediately.
Under a warning, which means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, residents are recommended to move to the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows, vehicles and mobile homes, according to the NWS.
It is also under a tornado watch until 12 a.m. Friday morning and a severe thunderstorm warning until 9:45 p.m. Thursday, according to the NWS. It is one of 39 Indiana counties under a tornado watch.
The NWS said showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the night, with the possibility of severe thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour through midnight.
A tornado watch means that conditions favor thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, according to the NWS. The NWS recommends residents review their emergency plans, supplies and safe room in case the watch is upgraded to a warning.
Monroe County residents can monitor the forecast through local weather channels and NWS live trackers.
