Weather
Ozarks Weather Alert: Up to 5 Inches of Rain Possible Oct 13-15
Springfield, MO – Residents across southwest Missouri and neighboring southeast Kansas face several rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning Tuesday night, with damaging winds, heavy rainfall and
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-13T19:19:59.619Z
Springfield, MO – Residents across southwest Missouri and neighboring southeast Kansas face several rounds of showers and thunderstorms beginning Tuesday night, with damaging winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding possible through Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected from Tuesday night, October 13, through Thursday, October 15, with occasional breaks between storm systems. Forecasters warn that some thunderstorms could become strong to severe, producing wind gusts reaching 60 mph.
A Flood Watch is in effect for portions of southeast Kansas and west central and southwest Missouri through Thursday. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches within the watch area, with localized amounts potentially reaching 5 inches.
Heavy Rainfall Raises Flash Flood Concerns
Communities near Joplin, Nevada, Pittsburg, Kansas, and surrounding areas face an elevated risk of heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service identifies locations north of Interstate 44 as particularly vulnerable to localized flash flooding.
Repeated thunderstorms could overwhelm drainage systems, flood low water crossings and create dangerous driving conditions, especially overnight when flooded roads are harder to recognize.
Damaging Winds and Hail Also Possible
Alongside flooding concerns, forecasters warn that isolated strong to severe thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail ranging from pea to dime size.
The severe weather threat extends into Wednesday, with additional thunderstorms possible Thursday before conditions begin improving.
Residents should monitor changing forecasts, secure loose outdoor objects and prepare for potential travel disruptions.
Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads, even when water appears shallow.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to remain weather aware throughout the multiday storm event as rainfall totals and localized severe weather threats become clearer.