Springfield, Missouri – Drivers along Interstate 44 could face sudden 80 mph wind gusts and large hail as severe thunderstorms push into southwest Missouri starting by 4 p.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, storms will first develop northwest of the area late this afternoon, tracking southeast into cities like Nevada, Joplin, and Springfield between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Supercells in this phase may produce golf ball-size hail and isolated tornadoes, especially along and west of I-49.
By 7 p.m., storms are expected to organize into a line as they approach the I-44 corridor, including Springfield, Lebanon, and Rolla. This phase brings the highest wind threat, with gusts up to 80 mph capable of downing trees and power lines. Hail may continue, though slightly smaller, around ping pong ball size.
The system pushes farther southeast between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., impacting areas like West Plains and parts of the Ozarks. Winds could still reach 60 mph, with quarter-size hail and a brief tornado risk lingering overnight.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, park vehicles under cover, and enable emergency alerts before storms arrive. The threat continues through early Saturday morning, with additional warnings likely overnight.
