Springfield, Mo. – Strong thunderstorms are pushing across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas this morning, with dangerous winds and hail prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 a.m. CDT.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Barry, Stone, and Taney counties in Missouri, as well as Baxter, Benton, and Sebastian counties in Arkansas. The primary threats include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail, especially along Highway 65, I-49, and portions of U.S. Route 62.
In Arkansas, storms are intensifying across Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Mountain Home, with lightning and reduced visibility impacting early morning drivers. Missouri residents near Branson, Cassville, and Neosho should avoid travel where possible due to potential downed limbs and isolated power outages.
Emergency officials recommend securing outdoor items, charging mobile devices, and staying indoors until the storms move east later this morning. Schools and businesses opening early may see brief delays or outages.
This is part of a broader pattern of unsettled June weather across the Ozarks. A second round of storms could develop later today if the atmosphere destabilizes again.
Warnings remain in effect until 10 a.m., and more updates may follow if conditions worsen.
