Springfield, Missouri – Residents across the Ozarks should use the next two days to prepare for potentially severe thunderstorms Wednesday evening and Wednesday night, with forecasters warning that tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds could all develop after a windy day across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, strong southerly winds will increase throughout Wednesday, producing gusts of 30 to 45 mph, especially west of Highway 65. Those winds could make travel difficult for high-profile vehicles on Interstate 44, Interstate 49 and other major highways while also blowing around unsecured outdoor objects.
The greater concern arrives Wednesday evening into the overnight hours as atmospheric conditions become favorable for severe thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of central and southwest Missouri, including Springfield, Joplin, Lebanon, Osage Beach and Rolla, under a Level 2 Slight Risk, with portions of central Missouri under a Level 3 Enhanced Risk.
Forecasters say all modes of severe weather are possible, including tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds and large hail. Exact storm details remain uncertain, and any morning rainfall Wednesday could influence how storms evolve later in the day.
Residents should secure outdoor items before winds increase, review severe weather safety plans and ensure phones and weather radios can receive warnings overnight. The highest storm threat is expected Wednesday evening through late Wednesday night, when many people may be sleeping.
Additional outlooks and watches could be issued as confidence increases ahead of the severe weather event.
