Farmington, Missouri – Severe thunderstorms capable of producing 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail will continue to track across southeast Missouri until 9 p.m. Wednesday, posing an immediate risk to drivers along US-67 and Highway 32. Residents in Reynolds, Iron, and Madison counties should be ready to act quickly if warnings are issued.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for parts of southeast Missouri. Primary hazards include large hail and damaging straight-line winds up to 70 mph. Forecasters also note the potential for a brief tornado or two as storms intensify during the early evening hours.
Communities from Farmington to Cape Girardeau sit within the corridor of greatest concern. Along I-55 near Cape Girardeau and US-60 near Poplar Bluff, sudden downpours may reduce visibility to less than a mile, while strong wind bursts could down small trees and power lines. In Ironton and along MO-21, isolated rotating storms may briefly spin up a tornado before moving east.
Drivers should delay non-essential travel until storms pass. Secure outdoor furniture, move vehicles under cover to protect from hail, and ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially this evening.
The severe threat is expected to diminish after 9 p.m., but additional warnings could be issued if storms strengthen unexpectedly before exiting the region.
