Springfield, Missouri – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected across southwest Missouri Friday, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and localized flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, two rounds of thunderstorms are expected Friday into early Saturday morning as a storm system moves across the region.
The most significant severe weather risk is focused along and west of U.S. Highway 65, including communities such as Joplin, Monett, Nevada, and areas near the Kansas border.
Forecasters say supercell thunderstorms may develop during the first round, capable of producing very large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and a few tornadoes.
Later Friday night, a line of thunderstorms is expected to move through the region, bringing additional heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Cities including Springfield, Branson, Joplin, and West Plains may experience strong storms as the system progresses across southwest Missouri.
Drivers traveling along major routes such as Interstate 44, U.S. Highway 65, and U.S. Highway 60 could encounter brief heavy rain, lightning, and reduced visibility during stronger storms.
Heavy rainfall is also raising concerns for localized flash flooding, particularly in areas that have already received 1 to 4 inches of rain earlier this week.
Additional rainfall totals of around 0.5 to 1 inch are possible through early Saturday morning.
Flooding risks will be highest in locations that experience repeated rounds of thunderstorms or intense rainfall rates.
Residents across southwest Missouri are encouraged to stay weather aware, monitor forecast updates, and have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings.
Meteorologists also advise keeping a close eye on conditions Friday evening and overnight when storms may intensify.
