Cape Girardeau, Missouri – Wind gusts up to 60 mph could snap tree limbs and disrupt travel across southeast Missouri before 9 p.m. Wednesday as strong thunderstorms build across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 11 remains in effect until 9 p.m. CST Wednesday for 21 counties, including Cape Girardeau, Scott, Butler, New Madrid, Stoddard, Mississippi, Perry and Bollinger. The watch also covers Ozark counties such as Howell, Oregon, Shannon, Douglas and Taney.
Storms may intensify late this afternoon along Interstate 55 near Cape Girardeau and along U.S. 60 through Poplar Bluff. Heavy rain could quickly lower visibility below one mile, while hail may damage vehicles and roofs. In the Ozarks, communities like West Plains, Houston and Ava could see strong wind bursts capable of downing isolated power lines.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, move vehicles under cover if possible and charge electronic devices ahead of possible outages. Avoid low-water crossings and never drive through flooded roadways.
The watch remains active through 9 p.m., and additional severe thunderstorm warnings may be issued quickly as storms strengthen this evening.
