Two rounds of storms expected in Springfield area throughout Wednesday

Severe weather is heading for Springfield late Wednesday morning and into the afternoon, with a severe thunderstorm watch already issued.

Mark Burchfield, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Springfield, said that while morning storms have the potential to develop high winds and large hail, they will likely remain north and east of Springfield, though could be close.

A second wave of storms expected to come in after 3 p.m., and closer to 6 or 7 p.m., will pose a greater threat to Springfield. Burchfield said these could include very large hail, up to the size of baseballs, damaging 60-80 mph winds and a potential for tornadoes.

"It's just one of those days where it's very complex as far as maybe multiple rounds for a few locations, and then the exact timing is a little bit in question," he said.

To remain weather prepared and informed, people should have multiple ways to receive warnings and alerts as well as have a plan in place to seek shelter. As thunderstorms approach, it is important to remain toward the interior part of buildings and away from windows because of the expected large hail.

After Wednesday's storms pass, Burchfield said severe weather is not expected to continue. Instead, the next few days going into the weekend will be much drier and cooler.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Wednesday weather outlook includes very large hail, damaging winds