NWS: Springfield area could see severe thunderstorms, baseball-sized hail Tuesday night

Staff reports
·2 min read

Parts of southwest Missouri could see up to baseball-sized hail this evening, according to the most recent weather briefing from the Springfield National Weather Service office. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move through the Ozarks area late this afternoon into the night.

The main hazards Tuesday evening include large hail and damaging wind gusts of 60 to 70 miles per hour, with the possibility of a few tornadoes and localized flash flooding, as well.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are also expected Wednesday afternoon through evening, with primary hazards including wind gusts of 60 to 70 miles per hour and hail up to 2 inches in diameter. Brief spin-up tornadoes and localized flash flooding are also possible.

The heaviest rainfall is expected Wednesday, according to the NWS weather story.

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How to stay safe in thunderstorms

The NWS offers these tips for staying safe during thunderstorms.

  • If you are at home, go to a secure location and take pets with you if time allows;

  • If you are at work or school, stay away from windows. Seek shelter in a secure room and stay out of large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums;

  • If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe;

  • Do not take shelter under a tree. It can be deadly. The tree could fall on you and standing under it puts you at greater risk of being struck by lightning;

  • If you are in a vehicle, stay in it. If you have time, drive to the closest shelter. Being in a vehicle during severe thunderstorms is safer than being outside.

What is the difference between a severe thunderstorm warning and a severe thunderstorm watch?

  • Severe thunderstorm warning: Thunderstorms have been spotted or detected on radar and there is imminent danger to life and property.

  • Severe thunderstorm watch: Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area, which is typically large and can cover counties or states. No thunderstorms have been spotted.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Damaging winds, large hail possible in Springfield on Tuesday