Doniphan, Missouri – Residents in Carter and Ripley counties have only minutes to get underground or into a small interior room as a tornado warning remains in effect until 5:45 p.m. Sunday for a fast-moving line of severe storms crossing southeast Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, storms capable of producing tornadoes and extensive straight-line wind damage were moving northeast at 65 mph at 4:57 p.m. CDT. Radar indicated rotation along the line from near Winona to west of Handy and near Highland in Sharp County, Arkansas.
The warning covers Carter and Ripley counties, including Fremont around 5 p.m., Van Buren around 5:10 p.m., Gatewood around 5:15 p.m., Hunter around 5:25 p.m., Ellsinore around 5:30 p.m., and Doniphan around 5:35 p.m. Other communities at risk include Grandin and Briar.
This storm threat is dangerous for anyone in vehicles, mobile homes, or outdoors. Flying debris could damage roofs, windows, trees, and vehicles within minutes as the line pushes across the region.
Take cover now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Do not wait to see the tornado. Additional warnings may follow as the storm line continues racing northeast across southeast Missouri.
