Cape Girardeau, MO – Parts of southeast Missouri are under a Tornado Watch this afternoon and evening as strong thunderstorms push through the region, bringing the potential for dangerous weather conditions through 9 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch No. 643 was issued at 3:45 p.m. EST and includes four counties in southeast Missouri. Forecasters say atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds, and isolated hail as storms move east across the Mississippi River region.
Counties included in the watch are Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry, and Scott. The alert impacts communities along and near Interstate 55, including the Cape Girardeau metro area, as well as surrounding rural areas in the Missouri Bootheel and eastern Ozarks foothills.
Meteorologists warn storms may intensify quickly during the late afternoon and early evening hours, with the greatest risk coming from fast-moving storm cells capable of producing sudden tornadoes and powerful wind gusts. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts closely, ensure mobile devices are fully charged, and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development, but tornadoes have not been confirmed. If a tornado warning is issued, residents should move immediately to a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Drivers should also prepare for rapidly changing road conditions, including heavy rain, debris, and reduced visibility during storms.
