Strong to Severe Storms Possible Today

Strong to severe storms are possible today.  The Storm Prediction Center has a large portion of MO in a slight risk box for severe weather today, including other states to the east and south.  The National Weather Service in Springfield, MO lists the risks today as:

• Limited tornado risk
• Elevated hail risk
• Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk 
• Significant lightning risk
• Limited non-thunderstorm wind risk

There are storms already developing in the Joplin, MO area, and areas to the north and south of that location.  The Storm Prediction Center is considering a weather watch for the Ozarks at the time of this post.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)

Confirmed Willard Tornado - 10/13/12

At brief EF-0 tornado with winds estimated up to 80 MPH touched down in a rural neighborhood on the SW side of Willard at 8:53 PM on Saturday 10/13/12.  There were no injuries and no serious damage.  Several trees and large limbs were blown down in all directions.  Several homes had minor damage to siding and roofs.  A wooden deck was lifted off the ground and moved from it's original position.  The path was 100 yards wide and about 1/2 mile long.

We were positioned a few miles to the SE at MM and I-44 and had my eyes on this storm, but with the lack of lightning, it was impossible to identify any storm structure.  We did head into Willard after the storm but failed to find any damage, although other spotters did find some confirmed damage in that area.  I will post more information as it becomes available.

Strong to Severe Storms Late Today and Tonight

The Storm Prediction Center is calling for a slight risk for severe weather over much of MO, KS, OK and NW AR (as well as other portions of the Midwest).  The National Weather Service is forecasting strong to severe storms to move into the western potions of the forecast area (eastern KS counties and western MO counties) late this afternoon and move through the rest of the area through the night time hours.  Damaging wind gusts of 75mph will be the primary risk with these storms.  The list of risks include:

• Limited tornado risk
• Elevated hail risk
• Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk
• Significant lightning risk

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)

Chance For Strong to Severe Storms Tonight

National Weather Service

Thunderstorms are expected to develop later today into the evening and overnight hours.  The main risk at this time is hail and lightning.

*** More severe weather is expected Saturday***

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)