Poplar Bluff, Missouri – Severe thunderstorms are expected to erupt across southwest Missouri this evening, with a threat of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph continuing into the night.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, storms will begin developing between 6 and 8 p.m. Sunday as they track eastward through the Ozark Foothills and southeast Missouri. While the storms are forecast to weaken overnight, they may remain severe into the early hours of Monday, especially west of Interstate 57.
Communities at greatest risk include Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, and areas near Cape Girardeau. The strongest storms could bring hail up to one inch in diameter and isolated tornadoes, particularly between 8 and 11 p.m. Localized wind damage is also possible along U.S. Highway 67 and other rural routes across Butler and Carter counties.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, monitor local alerts, and avoid unnecessary travel after dark. Keep mobile devices charged and prepare for potential brief power outages.
Storm activity should diminish substantially by early Monday, but additional updates may be issued if storm cells intensify or shift eastward unexpectedly.
