Early Friday morning, residents across southeast Missouri were met with dark skies, rumbling thunder, and an urgent warning: a fast-moving storm system capable of producing damaging winds up to 60 mph and large hail is barreling through the region. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued by the National Weather Service includes 10 counties, placing Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, and surrounding areas on high alert until 9:00 a.m. CDT.
Meteorologists are urging residents to stay inside and stay alert. These storms are expected to intensify quickly, packing enough punch to snap tree limbs, damage roofs, toss debris, and even spark isolated power outages.
Counties at Risk: Who’s in the Storm’s Path?
The following counties are currently under the watch:
Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne.
This region of Missouri sits in the storm’s crosshairs, and residents are advised to monitor updates closely. These types of spring storms can escalate without much warning.
What to Expect: It’s Not Just Rain
This storm system has already shown signs of severe behavior and could bring several hazards:
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Damaging Wind Gusts (Up to 60 MPH): Enough force to uproot trees, knock down power lines, and blow debris around like missiles.
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Large Hail: Forecasters warn of hailstones potentially the size of quarters or larger, which could cause serious damage to cars, homes, crops, and animals left unprotected.
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Localized Flooding: A quick burst of heavy rain may overwhelm storm drains, especially in low-lying areas like ditches and underpasses.
Safety First: Here’s What You Need to Do Right Now
Missouri emergency management officials are offering urgent safety guidance:
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Seek Shelter Indoors: Stay away from windows and exterior doors. If you hear thunder, it’s close enough to strike.
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Secure Outdoor Objects: Patio furniture, garbage bins, toys, and anything not tied down can become dangerous projectiles.
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Avoid Driving: Slick roads, strong crosswinds, and sudden flooding make for dangerous travel conditions. Wait it out if possible.
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Charge Devices Now: If the power goes out, you’ll want your phone ready for alerts and communication.
What’s Coming Next?
This storm line is expected to weaken later in the morning, but instability in the atmosphere could spark more storms this afternoon and evening. With temperatures climbing and humidity rising, the environment remains primed for additional weather activity.
Forecasters are watching closely and may issue new warnings if fresh cells develop. Residents are urged to keep NOAA radios and emergency apps active all day.
