Cape Girardeau, Mo. – Strong thunderstorms could develop across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois this afternoon, bringing 60 mph wind gusts and heavy rainfall to the region.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, storms are expected between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, mainly in areas from Poplar Bluff to Carbondale. A few storms may become severe, with the primary threats being damaging straight-line winds and downpours capable of localized flooding.
A second, potentially more intense round of storms is expected Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as a thunderstorm complex moves in from southern Missouri. The Friday system could bring all severe hazards, including large hail and isolated tornadoes, especially near Sikeston, Cape Girardeau, and Marion, Illinois.
Residents are urged to monitor local alerts, charge phones in advance of potential outages, and avoid unnecessary travel during storm windows. Power lines and tree limbs could be downed in hard-hit areas.
Thunderstorm warnings may be issued quickly due to the fast-moving nature of these systems. Watches and advisories remain possible into Friday evening.
