Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Sunday afternoon and race through the Ozarks through the evening, bringing all modes of severe weather to southwest Missouri.
The National Weather Service says storms will begin forming ahead and along a cold front near the I-49 corridor as early as 3 p.m. and further develop as they sweep east through the Ozarks.
The storms may begin to impact the Springfield metro area as early as 5 p.m.,with the biggest threats expected during the 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. hours. (see timeline graphic at the bottom of this story).
Forecasters say confidence is high in this severe weather potential.
The potential exists for tornadoes of EF-2 or greater east of a Neosho to Osceloa line, covering much of the KWTO listening area.
Tornadoes will be possible in both supercells and in storms that form a line, although damaging wind gusts are the biggest threat in linear storms.
The potenial exists for damaging winds of 75 miles per hour or greater for areas along and east of a line from Cassville to Springfield to Osage Beach.
Stsorms that congeal into a squall line or bow will have the highest potential for significant wind damage.
Large hail up to the size of golf balls are likely in the most intense storms, with isolated (supercell) storms having the highest potential of producing large hail.
Seek shelter immediately when warnings are issued for your locations. These storms will be fast moving and should exit the listening area by 10 or 11 p.m.
When alerted to a tornado, quickly get to a storm shelter or basement. If underground shelter is not available, get to an interior hall away from windows.
The KWTO News Team will keep you up to date on all the watches and warnings, storm and damage reports throughout the evening on 93-3 A-M 560 KWTO.
