Kansas City, MO – Residents across central and southwestern Missouri face a threat of severe weather beginning this afternoon and continuing overnight, with forecasters warning that an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. The primary dangers associated with the developing storm system are large hail and damaging winds.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, the first round of scattered storms will move into the region late this afternoon. A more significant cluster of severe storms is expected to develop tonight into Wednesday morning, primarily affecting areas south of Interstate 70. This second round carries the potential for a bow echo, capable of producing widespread damaging winds, and very heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
The complex of storms moving in overnight presents the most significant risk. In addition to the damaging wind and hail threat, conditions will be favorable for the development of an isolated tornado, particularly in the overnight hours. Communities from the Kansas border east toward the St. Louis metropolitan area are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
Residents should monitor local conditions and be prepared to take shelter. The severe weather threat is expected to continue into Wednesday for central and southwestern Missouri.
