The Storm Prediction Center has all of the Ozarks in a slight risk box for severe weather today, with much of MO, SE KS and a good portion of OK in a MODERATE risk box for severe weather. What does that mean? Much of the area has at least a 10% chance of a tornado. The Joplin and Springfield areas on up across the center portion of MO and NE OK are in the 10% area and SE KS and much of OK in the 15% chance area. Storms may come in two waves today. Let's hope conditions change, and you prepared for nothing.
The National Weather Service office in Springfield MO states that storms forming this afternoon could bring large hail (half dollar), frequent lightning and damaging winds. Later this afternoon supercell thunderstorm development will be possible. Golfball sized hail, damaging winds and possible tornado development are all possible. The risks specifically listed are:
- Elevated tornado risk
- Significant hail risk
- Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk
- Elevated flooding risk
- Significant lightning risk
- Limited non-thunderstorm wind damage 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.
