Springfield, Mo. – A tornado watch is in effect for 43 counties across southern and central Missouri until 7 p.m. Sunday, as conditions become increasingly favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes major population centers such as Springfield, Columbia, Jefferson City, and Rolla. Counties under the watch span from Barry and Newton in the southwest to Boone, Callaway, and Phelps in central Missouri.
Communities in Greene, Christian, and Taney counties are urged to remain weather-aware through the afternoon and early evening. Outdoor plans should be postponed, and residents should be prepared to take shelter on short notice. Strong wind gusts and hail up to two inches in diameter may accompany rotating storms.
Drivers on I-44, US-65, and other regional highways should monitor local alerts and avoid travel if possible during severe weather. Mobile homes and outdoor structures are especially vulnerable.
This is Missouri’s first wide-area tornado watch of the spring season and comes amid rising instability and humidity levels across the Ozarks and surrounding regions.
The tornado watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. Further warnings or upgrades could follow if storms intensify.
