Maryville, Missouri – A Tornado Watch remains in effect for seven counties in northwest Missouri until 10 p.m. CST Friday, placing communities near the Iowa border at risk for tornadoes, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and large hail through the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Tornado Watch 16 includes Andrew, Atchison, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth counties as atmospheric instability supports rotating thunderstorms capable of producing brief tornadoes.
Storms may intensify quickly before sunset.
Cities including Maryville, Savannah, Bethany, and Mound City are within the watch area. Travel along U.S. Highway 59, U.S. 71, and U.S. 136 could be impacted if warnings are issued, especially during the evening commute. Rural electric cooperatives serving agricultural areas may see isolated power outages if damaging winds materialize.
Residents should identify a lowest-level shelter now and monitor warnings closely.
The strongest storm potential is expected before 9 p.m., with activity shifting east later tonight. Additional thunderstorms may redevelop overnight into early Saturday as the system advances across Missouri.
The Tornado Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CST Friday.
