Harlan is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Springfield Township, Allen County, in the U.S. state of Indiana.

[5] It originally comprised two communities, the other of which is now Fort Wayne's Maysville neighborhood.

The tornado formed over Fort Wayne's northeast side before rapidly tracking towards Harlan.

Its wind speeds were recorded to be 120 miles per hour and the damage path was measured at 400 yards wide.

[8] Harlan is located on State Road 37, approximately 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Fort Wayne and 7 miles (11 km) west of the Ohio state line.