Springfield, Missouri — Strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across southwest Missouri Friday afternoon and continue into Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, forecasters are monitoring conditions that may support severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes across the region.
Storms are expected to begin developing during the Friday afternoon hours, with the potential for isolated supercell thunderstorms before additional storms organize into a larger line during the evening and overnight period.
Meteorologists say large hail could reach significant sizes, while damaging wind gusts may approach 70 mph in stronger storms. A few tornadoes are also possible if individual storms intensify during the afternoon and evening.
The developing storms could affect travel along several major roadways across southwest Missouri, including Interstate 44 through Springfield, U.S. Highway 65, and Interstate 49 near Joplin, particularly during the late afternoon commute and evening travel hours.
Heavy rainfall, lightning, and sudden wind gusts could briefly reduce visibility for drivers and create hazardous conditions on area highways as storms move through the region.
Forecasters say severe storms may initially develop as isolated cells before transitioning into a more organized line of thunderstorms Friday night. This shift could increase the risk for widespread wind damage across portions of southern Missouri.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware throughout Friday and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if severe storms develop after sunset.
The system could impact students, commuters, and evening travelers across the Springfield region as storms move through during one of the busiest travel periods of the week.
