NWS SVW: 60 mph winds, 1-in hail — Steuben/Lagrange IN & St. Joseph MI

A fast-moving severe thunderstorm cut across northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan on the afternoon of September 3, 2026, delivering observed 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail to communities across Steuben, Lagrange, St. Joseph, and Branch counties. The National Weather Service office in Northern Indiana issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 3:14 PM EDT, valid until 4:00 PM EDT, placing Angola, Fremont, Orland, Clear Lake, and Howe in Indiana — along with Sturgis, Bronson, and Coldwater Lake in Michigan — directly in the storm’s path.

Wind gusts at 60 mph are sufficient to tear shingles, displace siding panels, and bring down trees. One-inch hail doesn’t leave much room for “wait and see” — at that size, vehicle and roof damage is expected, not merely possible. If your home or property sat in the warning zone, the window to inspect and document before the next rain event is right now. Here is what NWS confirmed, what to check around your property, and what to do if you find damage.

What the National Weather Service Confirmed

The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 3:14 PM EDT on September 3, 2026. The warning covered the following counties:

• Northern Steuben and northeastern Lagrange counties, Indiana
• Southeastern St. Joseph and southern Branch counties, Michigan

The warning remained in effect until 4:00 PM EDT. At issuance, NWS reported the severe thunderstorm was located near Sturgis, Michigan, tracking east at approximately 30 mph.

Confirmed Hazards from NWS

• Wind: Observed gusts of 60 mph. NWS stated explicitly that wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees was expected.
• Hail: Radar-indicated quarter-size hail at 1.00 inch in diameter. NWS noted that hail damage to vehicles was expected.

The storm’s track crossed Interstate 69 in Indiana between mile markers 350 and 357 and in Michigan between mile markers 1 and 10, marking a clear corridor through communities including Angola, Fremont, Orland, Clear Lake, Howe, Sturgis, Bronson, and Coldwater Lake. For up-to-date alerts and archived warning details, visit weather.gov.

What Homeowners in Angola, Fremont, and Surrounding Communities Should Check Now

Once the storm has fully passed and it is safe to go outside, a careful exterior inspection is your most important first move. Damage that looks minor on the surface — a few lifted shingles, a dented gutter — can funnel significant water into your home structure at the next rainfall. Here is a practical checklist for homeowners in Angola, Fremont, Orland, Clear Lake, Howe, Sturgis, Bronson, and Coldwater Lake:

Roof

• Walk the perimeter of your home and look for displaced, cracked, or missing shingles on the ground or still hanging from the roofline.
• Check gutters and downspout splash areas for heavy granule accumulation. Granule loss is a primary indicator of hail impact on asphalt shingles, and significant buildup after a storm is a red flag worth documenting.
• Inspect the ridge line and hip areas. These high-exposure points are often where wind lifts shingles first.
• Photograph the roof from ground level using your phone. Do not attempt to climb onto a roof that is wet, damaged, or otherwise unsafe.

Siding

• Walk each elevation of the house and look for dents, cracks, holes, or displaced panels.
• Quarter-size hail is large enough to leave visible impact marks on vinyl, aluminum, and fiber cement siding alike.
• Pay particular attention to corners, trim boards, and soffit panels — these take the most direct exposure from wind-driven hail and debris.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Look for dents along gutter faces — these are often among the clearest physical evidence of hail size and intensity.
• Confirm that downspouts are still properly connected and routing water away from your foundation.

Trees and Outbuildings

• Look carefully for broken or partially attached branches — so-called “widow makers” — that haven’t fallen yet. These are a safety hazard; large limbs near structures should be handled by a professional.
• Inspect fences, sheds, detached garages, and any outbuildings for wind and hail impact.

Windows, Skylights, and Roof Vents

• Check for cracked or shattered glass. Even a hairline crack in a skylight can allow water infiltration during the next rain event.
• Inspect roof vent caps and attic vents for dents or displacement that could allow water — or pests — to enter.

Water Intrusion

• If your attic is accessible, check it shortly after the storm for signs of daylight, moisture, or wet insulation.
• Inside, look for new water stains on upper-floor ceilings and walls. Water entering through a roof breach can travel along rafters and appear far from the actual entry point, so an unexpected stain is still worth investigating.

If You Find Damage

Discovering storm damage is stressful, but taking the right steps in the right order protects both your home and your insurance claim.

1. Document Everything Before Cleanup

Photograph and video every area of concern — roof, siding, gutters, vehicles, and yard — before moving any debris or making repairs. Date-stamped photos are your most valuable evidence when filing a homeowner’s insurance claim. Take wide-angle shots for context and close-ups for detail.

2. Make Safe Temporary Repairs

If your roof has an active breach, covering it with a heavy-duty tarp is a reasonable step to prevent additional water damage until permanent repairs are completed. Most homeowner insurance policies support reasonable temporary repairs made to prevent further loss. Do not attempt to work on a wet or structurally compromised roof yourself — the risk is not worth it.

3. Contact Your Insurance Carrier Promptly

Report your claim as soon as reasonably possible. Most policies include requirements around timely reporting, and filing promptly also starts the timeline on the adjuster’s inspection visit. Ask your insurer what documentation they prefer before you submit.

4. Work With a Licensed Restoration Contractor

A licensed storm restoration contractor can document your damage in professional detail, prepare a complete itemized repair estimate, and be present on-site when your insurance adjuster conducts their inspection. Allied Emergency Services is a licensed restoration contractor — we document damage thoroughly, prepare detailed repair estimates, and can coordinate with your adjuster on-site. What we do not do — and what Illinois and Indiana law reserves for licensed public adjusters — is negotiate, settle, or adjust your insurance claim on your behalf. Our role is to make sure your home is repaired correctly and completely. Learn more about how we handle storm damage restoration across Indiana, Michigan, and the broader Midwest.

One important note on timing: storm damage that goes uninspected for weeks can lead to secondary problems — water intrusion, mold growth, deteriorating structural materials — that complicate coverage and drive up repair costs. Acting promptly is in your best interest.

This article is provided as general information only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. For guidance specific to your policy or claim, consult your insurance carrier or a licensed public adjuster.

Allied Emergency Services: Ready When the Storm Passes

Allied Emergency Services has served homeowners and property owners across the Midwest for 27 years. We are a licensed restoration contractor with direct experience working storm-impacted communities — including the counties and towns affected by today’s event across Steuben and Lagrange counties in Indiana and St. Joseph and Branch counties in Michigan.

If your home or property was in the path of today’s storm, our team is ready to schedule an inspection — day or night, seven days a week. Don’t wait for the next rainstorm to find out where the damage is.

• Call 24/7: (800) 792-0212
• Text ESTIMATE to: (844) 907-2546

Request your storm damage inspection today — we serve Angola, Fremont, Orland, Clear Lake, Howe, Sturgis, Bronson, Coldwater Lake, and the surrounding region.