Fishers residents should prepare for a potentially active weather day Thursday, with forecasters calling for storms to develop and strengthen after 1 p.m., following a morning of fog and scattered showers.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis reports that scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into the evening across central Indiana. Damaging winds are expected to be the primary threat, with the possibility of an isolated tornado. Forecasters also note that a few storms earlier in the day could produce small hail.

For Fishers and Hamilton County, the main window for stronger storms appears to be mid-afternoon through the evening hours, roughly 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. That timing could overlap with school dismissal, the evening commute and after-school activities.

The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Indiana, including the Fishers area, under a Slight Risk, or Level 2 of 5, for severe weather. That designation indicates scattered severe storms are possible, though not everyone will experience severe conditions.

If stronger storms develop, residents could see wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered outages. Heavy downpours may also reduce visibility for drivers and create brief travel hazards. Outdoor activities and athletic practices may need to move indoors quickly if warnings are issued.

Forecasters urge residents to monitor weather conditions closely throughout the day and to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio and wireless emergency alerts on mobile phones. With storms expected into the evening hours, having a plan in place before they arrive could make a difference if conditions deteriorate quickly.