THURSDAY MORNING EDITION · WEATHER FIRST

Heavy morning rain, then a drier Friday

Numerous showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected this morning. Heavy rainfall and localized flooding are the primary concerns, especially where the ground is already wet.

Published September 17, 2026, 8:40 a.m. Central · By Daniel Schlief · Based on official and attributed sources

This morning: heavy rain and low visibility

NWS Northern Indiana expects additional rounds of showers and embedded storms this morning. High atmospheric moisture and the possibility of storms repeatedly moving over the same areas could produce localized flooding. Low clouds and patchy fog may also reduce visibility.

Later today: rain coverage decreases

Rain chances diminish this afternoon and evening. A few widely scattered showers remain possible, mainly south of U.S. 30. Friday is forecast dry and less humid across the region.

Forecast uncertainty: The heaviest rain bands are narrow and may shift. Not every neighborhood will experience flooding, but intense downpours can create problems quickly where drainage is poor or rain has already saturated the ground.

Alert check: La Porte County distinction

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. Central for several counties in northern Indiana and northwest Ohio, but the counties listed in the morning NWS discussion do not include La Porte County. The office’s broader map also shows flood warnings and advisories elsewhere. Check the live La Porte County alert feed before travel because warnings can change after publication.

Roads, power and safety

Allow extra stopping distance, use headlights and never drive through floodwater. No specific new La Porte County road closure or NIPSCO outage is asserted in this edition; use INDOT TrafficWise and the NIPSCO map for live conditions.

Verified plans ahead

Today, 1–3 p.m.: LaPorte County Parks Senior Club at Luhr County Park, free. Rain should become less widespread, but confirm any organizer change.
Saturday: The 27th annual Sunflower Fair in downtown La Porte, with more than 100 vendors and family activities. The organizer confirms the date but does not currently list hours or an admission price.
Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Farmed & Forged at Monroe and Lincolnway. Admission is free; purchases are extra.

Direct sources

Checked September 17, 2026, 8:40 a.m. Central. Forecasts and alerts can change after publication. This is a daily digest, not continuous emergency monitoring.