Central U.S. Severe Weather Outbreak Continues

Numerous severe thunderstorms continue to erupt across the central and southern Plains and Mississippi Valley tonight. 

The same system that brought a regional tornado outbreak to the central Plains on Sunday will slowly advance eastward tonight while maintaining its strength. New storms will erupt over the eastern half of the central and southern Plains this evening, which will work eastward into the Middle Mississippi Valley during the evening and overnight hours.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued Enhanced and Moderate Risks (levels 3 and 4 out of 5) from northeastern Texas to eastern Oklahoma, western and central Missouri, southern Illinois, and northern and western Arkansas.

Strong tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds are all possible today, with the best chance being in far eastern Oklahoma to northwest Arkansas and southern Missouri.

Tornado Watches are in effect for much of the eastern Plains from far eastern Oklahoma and far northeast Texas to northwestern Arkansas as well as into west-central and southern Illinois and southern into central and eastern Missouri. This includes Texarkana and Fayetteville, Ark., Springfield, Columbia, and St. Louis, Mo., and Cairo, Illinois.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"