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Get Election Returns Here

The polls closed at 7 PM.

You can check the returns from the Greene County Clerks office and the Christian County Clerks office.

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL RACES:

Mayor’s Race: (4-year-term to replace Ken McClure, who has termed out after serving four, 2-year terms)

Jeff Schrag 1462

Mary Collette 994

Council Member, General Seat A: (4-year term)

Heather Hardinger (Incumbent) 1372

Eric Pauly 971

Council Member, Zone 4 (4-year term)

Matthew Simpson (Incumbent) 476

Bruce Adib-Yazdi 405

SPRINGFIELD R-12 SCHOOL BOARD RACE: (Vote for 2 for a 3-year term)
Kelly Byrne (Incumbent)
1277

Sarah Hough 1525

Gail Smart 1405

David Meyers 1110

OTHER LOCAL MAYOR AND CITY RACES:

Ozark Mayor (2-year term):

Donald Currence (Incumbent)

David Snider

Eddie Campbell

City of Ozark Ward 1 Alderman (2-year term):

Chris Aiken (Incumbent)

Gerald Boone Averill

City of Ozark Ward 3 Alderman (2-year term):
Jim Metcalf (Incumbent)

Susie Ballard

City of Republic Ward 2 Council Member (1 year term):

Darran Campbell (Incumbent)

John R. Smith

City of Republic Ward 3 Council Member (1 year term):

Brian Fields (Incumbent) 1

Justin Snider 0

City of Fair Grove Ward 2 Alderman (2 year term):

Jeffrey Danderson

Franklin Hodges

City of Fair Grove Ward 3 Alderman (2 year term):

Richard Icenhower (Incumbent)

Timothy Cooke

Nixa School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

Bridget Bidinger (Incumbent)

Ashtyn Fischer

Jonathan Lindsay

Tim McKnight

Ozark School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

Sarah Adams Orr (Incumbent)

Rae-Ann Wade

Wade Wheeler

Willard School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

David Menditto (Incumbent) 53

John Hartley 74

Amanda Kastler 81

Marshfield R-1 School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term):

Janette Clark (Incumbent)

Mark Messick (Incumbent)

Brooke (Heithold) Owens

BALLOT/MONEY ISSUES ON THE BALLOT IN THE OZARKS:

Republic School District Bond Issue: (4/7ths (57.14%) majority required for passage:

Asking voters for a $22 million “no tax increase” bond issue.

Willard School District Question 1: Bond Issue (4/7ths (57.14%) majority required for passage:

The district is asking voters for a $30 million “no tax increase” bond issue.

YES 104

NO 28

Willard School District Question 2: Tax Levy Transfer (Simple Majority (anything over 50%) required for passage:

The district is asking permission to transfer 22 cents of the levy from debt-service to operating, which will not change the total tax levy.

YES 87

NO 45

City of Fair Grove $1 Million Bond Issue (4/7ths majority (57.14%) required for passage:

The city is asking voters to consider issuing $1 million in general obligation bonds to acquire rights of way and construct, reconstruct, extend and improve Fair Grove’s sewer system, including stormwater and sanitary sewerage.

City of Fair Grove Fire Protection District Levy Issue:

The district is asking for approval to authorize levying an additional 20 cents on $100 assessed value to provide money for full time firefighters, infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases.

YES 2

NO 0

Christian County Ambulance District Property Tax Issue:

The ambulance district is asking voters to decide whether the property tax levy should be gradually reduced and instead a ½ cent sales tax put in place to fund the district.

Ozark Fire Protection District Bond Issue (4/7ths majority (57.14%) required for passage:

The district is asking voters whether it should issue $10.5 million in general obligation bonds to improve emergency services and meet current safety standards by constructing, renovating, improving, equipping and furnishing fire stations, a training center and related facilities.

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KWTO News

Drowning in Stockton Lake

A fisherman has drowned in Stockton Lake.

Highway Patrol troopers believe the 78-year-old man from Pleasant Hope fell from his boat Sunday and could not make it to shore.

Emergency crews found the victims body about 30 minutes after the incident.

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KWTO News

Election Day in the Ozarks: Get Sample Ballots And a Look at Key Races and Issues Here

Voters in many communities in the Ozarks are at the polls Tuesday, deciding everything from mayor and city council races to school board races and money issues.

The polls opened at 6:00am and will close at 7 tonight.

Before voting, check out sample ballots here:

Greene County

Christian County

Webster County

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL RACES:

Mayor’s Race: (4-year-term to replace Ken McClure, who has termed out after serving four, 2-year terms)

Jeff Schrag

Mary Collette

Council Member, General Seat A: (4-year term)

Heather Hardinger (Incumbent)

Eric Pauly

Council Member, Zone 4 (4-year term)

Matthew Simpson (Incumbent)

Bruce Adib-Yazdi

SPRINGFIELD R-12 SCHOOL BOARD RACE: (Vote for 2 for a 3-year term)
Kelly Byrne (Incumbent)

Sarah Hough

Gail Smart

David Meyers

OTHER LOCAL MAYOR AND CITY RACES:

Ozark Mayor (2-year term):

Donald Currence (Incumbent)

David Snider

Eddie Campbell

City of Ozark Ward 1 Alderman (2-year term):

Chris Aiken (Incumbent)

Gerald Boone Averill

City of Ozark Ward 3 Alderman (2-year term):
Jim Metcalf (Incumbent)

Susie Ballard

City of Republic Ward 2 Council Member (1 year term):

Darran Campbell (Incumbent)

John R. Smith

City of Republic Ward 3 Council Member (1 year term):

Brian Fields (Incumbent)

Justin Snider

City of Fair Grove Ward 2 Alderman (2 year term):

Jeffrey Danderson

Franklin Hodges

City of Fair Grove Ward 3 Alderman (2 year term):

Richard Icenhower (Incumbent)

Timothy Cooke

Nixa School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

Bridget Bidinger (Incumbent)

Ashtyn Fischer

Jonathan Lindsay

Tim McKnight

Ozark School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

Sarah Adams Orr (Incumbent)

Rae-Ann Wade

Wade Wheeler

Willard School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

David Menditto (Incumbent)

John Hartley

Amanda Kastler

Marshfield R-1 School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term):

Janette Clark (Incumbent)

Mark Messick (Incumbent)

Brooke (Heithold) Owens

BALLOT/MONEY ISSUES ON THE BALLOT IN THE OZARKS:

Republic School District Bond Issue: (4/7ths (57.14%) majority required for passage:

Asking voters for a $22 million “no tax increase” bond issue.

Willard School District Question 1: Bond Issue (4/7ths (57.14%) majority required for passage:

The district is asking voters for a $30 million “no tax increase” bond issue.

Willard School District Question 2: Tax Levy Transfer (Simple Majority (anything over 50%) required for passage:

The district is asking permission to transfer 22 cents of the levy from debt-service to operating, which will not change the total tax levy.

City of Fair Grove $1 Million Bond Issue (4/7ths majority (57.14%) required for passage:

The city is asking voters to consider issuing $1 million in general obligation bonds to acquire rights of way and construct, reconstruct, extend and improve Fair Grove’s sewer system, including stormwater and sanitary sewerage.

City of Fair Grove Fire Protection District Levy Issue:

The district is asking for approval to authorize levying an additional 20 cents on $100 assessed value to provide money for full time firefighters, infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases.

Christian County Ambulance District Property Tax Issue:

The ambulance district is asking voters to decide whether the property tax levy should be gradually reduced and instead a ½ cent sales tax put in place to fund the district.

Ozark Fire Protection District Bond Issue (4/7ths majority (57.14%) required for passage:

The district is asking voters whether it should issue $10.5 million in general obligation bonds to improve emergency services and meet current safety standards by constructing, renovating, improving, equipping and furnishing fire stations, a training center and related facilities.

We’ll keep you updated through the night with the latest election returns on KWTO News and on 933kwto.com.

Categories
Hero

Election Day in the Ozarks: Get Sample Ballots And a Look at Key Races and Issues Here

Voters in many communities in the Ozarks are at the polls Tuesday, deciding everything from mayor and city council races to school board races and money issues.

The polls opened at 6:00am and will close at 7 tonight.

Before voting, check out sample ballots here:

Greene County

Christian County

Webster County

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL RACES:

Mayor’s Race: (4-year-term to replace Ken McClure, who has termed out after serving four, 2-year terms)

Jeff Schrag

Mary Collette

Council Member, General Seat A: (4-year term)

Heather Hardinger (Incumbent)

Eric Pauly

Council Member, Zone 4 (4-year term)

Matthew Simpson (Incumbent)

Bruce Adib-Yazdi

SPRINGFIELD R-12 SCHOOL BOARD RACE: (Vote for 2 for a 3-year term)
Kelly Byrne (Incumbent)

Sarah Hough

Gail Smart

David Meyers

OTHER LOCAL MAYOR AND CITY RACES:

Ozark Mayor (2-year term):

Donald Currence (Incumbent)

David Snider

Eddie Campbell

City of Ozark Ward 1 Alderman (2-year term):

Chris Aiken (Incumbent)

Gerald Boone Averill

City of Ozark Ward 3 Alderman (2-year term):
Jim Metcalf (Incumbent)

Susie Ballard

City of Republic Ward 2 Council Member (1 year term):

Darran Campbell (Incumbent)

John R. Smith

City of Republic Ward 3 Council Member (1 year term):

Brian Fields (Incumbent)

Justin Snider

City of Fair Grove Ward 2 Alderman (2 year term):

Jeffrey Danderson

Franklin Hodges

City of Fair Grove Ward 3 Alderman (2 year term):

Richard Icenhower (Incumbent)

Timothy Cooke

Nixa School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

Bridget Bidinger (Incumbent)

Ashtyn Fischer

Jonathan Lindsay

Tim McKnight

Ozark School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

Sarah Adams Orr (Incumbent)

Rae-Ann Wade

Wade Wheeler

Willard School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term)

David Menditto (Incumbent)

John Hartley

Amanda Kastler

Marshfield R-1 School Board (Vote for 2 candidates for a 3-year term):

Janette Clark (Incumbent)

Mark Messick (Incumbent)

Brooke (Heithold) Owens

BALLOT/MONEY ISSUES ON THE BALLOT IN THE OZARKS:

Republic School District Bond Issue: (4/7ths (57.14%) majority required for passage:

Asking voters for a $22 million “no tax increase” bond issue.

Willard School District Question 1: Bond Issue (4/7ths (57.14%) majority required for passage:

The district is asking voters for a $30 million “no tax increase” bond issue.

Willard School District Question 2: Tax Levy Transfer (Simple Majority (anything over 50%) required for passage:

The district is asking permission to transfer 22 cents of the levy from debt-service to operating, which will not change the total tax levy.

City of Fair Grove $1 Million Bond Issue (4/7ths majority (57.14%) required for passage:

The city is asking voters to consider issuing $1 million in general obligation bonds to acquire rights of way and construct, reconstruct, extend and improve Fair Grove’s sewer system, including stormwater and sanitary sewerage.

City of Fair Grove Fire Protection District Levy Issue:

The district is asking for approval to authorize levying an additional 20 cents on $100 assessed value to provide money for full time firefighters, infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases.

Christian County Ambulance District Property Tax Issue:

The ambulance district is asking voters to decide whether the property tax levy should be gradually reduced and instead a ½ cent sales tax put in place to fund the district.

Ozark Fire Protection District Bond Issue (4/7ths majority (57.14%) required for passage:

The district is asking voters whether it should issue $10.5 million in general obligation bonds to improve emergency services and meet current safety standards by constructing, renovating, improving, equipping and furnishing fire stations, a training center and related facilities.

We’ll keep you updated through the night with the latest election returns on KWTO News and on 933kwto.com.

Categories
KWTO News

Firefighters from the Ozarks Helping With Water Rescues in West Plains

Firefighters from the Ozarks are assisting our neighbors to the east after massive flooding hit the West Plains area over the weekend.

Shawn Crump with the Battlefield Fire Department says the request was sent up to the state to bring in more resources, so Battlefield, along with the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District, are among those answering the call for help.

Firefighters are helping people trapped in homes and businesses.

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KWTO News

Second Person Found Dead in Floodwaters Near West Plains

A second person’s body has been located in the flood-ravaged West Plains area.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s drowning report says a man’s truck was washed away by floodwaters as he was trying to cross a low-water crossing south of West Plains Friday night.

Authorities say the floodwaters carried the man and the truck a half mile downstream, leaving the truck in 15 feet of water.

The body of the 45-year-old victim was recovered on Sunday.

Also, the body of a man from O’Fallon, Missouri was found earlier in floodwaters near Howell Creek.

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KWTO News

Heavy Rains Brings Flood Roadways

(Photo courtesy of KOLR/Nexstar)

Heavy rains across the state brought flooding to many communities.

Flood waters were causing problems for travelers even in metropolitan areas.

In Springfield, portions of Commercial and Chestnut Expressway were closed due to flooding.

Some parking lots on Glenstone looked like lakes.

Nixa reported that water was covering some roads because of blockage in drainage ditches.

Several roads in Lebanon had water covering them from a heavy mid-day storm and some roads around Bennet Springs State Park had to be closed.

Several businesses in West Plains including a Ford dealership were 2 feet of water.  

Governor Mike Kehoe says even though he has activated the Missouri National Guard and other emergency agencies to rescue those trapped by flood waters, he is urging Missourians not to travel this weekend because of the flooding.

He says if they have to travel, they should pay attention to local weather forecast and the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.  

Here is Governor Kehoe’s statement on the flooding State of Emergency:

  

JEFFERSON CITY – Governor Mike Kehoe is urging Missourians to avoid traveling in areas that experience heavy rainfall and flash flooding this weekend, as the State of Missouri deploys resources and personnel to respond to dangerous flooding. “The National Weather Service is forecasting very heavy rainfall – possibly exceeding 10 inches in some localized areas – and dangerous flooding, particularly in southeast Missouri over the next two days,” Governor Kehoe said. “While we have activated the Missouri National Guard and our state team is positioning swift water rescue teams and other response assets, we urge all Missourians to follow their local weather forecasts very closely and avoid driving into flooded areas and areas known to experience flash flooding. Let’s protect ourselves and allow first responders to get emergency help where it’s needed.” On Wednesday, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-21 activating the Missouri National Guard to assist with response efforts. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and state response agencies have been monitoring the approaching severe weather system and coordinating with the National Weather Service since last weekend. Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division has deployed five swift water rescue boat teams and the dive team to southeast Missouri. In addition to the Patrol resources, there are ten other boat teams deployed to southeast Missouri. The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is coordinating with local and regional fire service mutual aid coordinators to track the positioning and capabilities of local swift-water rescue teams. The Missouri National Guard has deployed personnel to Butler County, equipped with highwater vehicles and mission capabilities to include motorist assistance, levee reinforcement and monitoring, sandbagging assistance, commodities distribution, and other potential needs. The State Emergency Operations Center is currently activated to a Level 3 with SEMA operations, planning and emergency human services staff as well as emergency support partners from the Highway Patrol, MoDOT, Missouri National Guard, Missouri Division of Fire Safety, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Task Force 1 and the American Red Cross to assist with resource coordination and requests for assistance. SEMA has also activated a Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team from Missouri Task Force 1 to deploy to Poplar Bluff. This Type 3 Task Force is a 48-person specialized rescue team that includes a 35-person specialized search and rescue team with an embedded swift water rescue capability, a logistical support team and other specialized resources and personnel. The Missouri Department of Transportation is mobilizing additional resources to impacted areas of the state to assist with traffic control, signage and barricades for flooded and closed roadways.  The Missouri Department of Natural Resources stands ready to assist communities that sustain storm damage with managing their debris and providing technical assistance to drinking water or wastewater facilities impacted by power failures or flooding.  Missourians should remember these safety tips related to flash flooding and high water: Never drive on a flooded roadway, including low-water crossing and low bridges. More than half of people who die in flooding were in vehicles. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. Night-time flooding is the most dangerous, because low visibility means you can wind up in the water before you ever see it. Slow down! Never attempt to walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you over. Follow the weather closely and follow safety instructions from local authorities. The NWS has said minor shifts in the weather system could cause rain totals to climb in. For questions or immediate assistance, Missourians are encouraged to reach out to their city or county emergency management director. For more information on road closures, visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map. Real-time emergency information is also available by tuning to local radio and television stations across the state.
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Hero

Heavy Rains Bring Massive Flooding to Parts of Missouri

(Photo courtesy of KOLR/Nexstar)

Heavy rains across the state brought flooding to many communities.

Flood waters were causing problems for travelers even in metropolitan areas.

In Springfield, portions of Commercial and Chestnut Expressway were closed due to flooding.

Some parking lots on Glenstone looked like lakes.

Nixa reported that water was covering some roads because of blockage in drainage ditches.

Several roads in Lebanon had water covering them from a heavy mid-day storm and some roads around Bennet Springs State Park had to be closed.

Several businesses in West Plains including a Ford dealership were 2 feet of water.  

Governor Mike Kehoe says even though he has activated the Missouri National Guard and other emergency agencies to rescue those trapped by flood waters, he is urging Missourians not to travel this weekend because of the flooding.

He says if they have to travel, they should pay attention to local weather forecast and the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.  

Here is Governor Kehoe’s statement on the flooding State of Emergency:

  

JEFFERSON CITY – Governor Mike Kehoe is urging Missourians to avoid traveling in areas that experience heavy rainfall and flash flooding this weekend, as the State of Missouri deploys resources and personnel to respond to dangerous flooding. “The National Weather Service is forecasting very heavy rainfall – possibly exceeding 10 inches in some localized areas – and dangerous flooding, particularly in southeast Missouri over the next two days,” Governor Kehoe said. “While we have activated the Missouri National Guard and our state team is positioning swift water rescue teams and other response assets, we urge all Missourians to follow their local weather forecasts very closely and avoid driving into flooded areas and areas known to experience flash flooding. Let’s protect ourselves and allow first responders to get emergency help where it’s needed.” On Wednesday, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-21 activating the Missouri National Guard to assist with response efforts. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and state response agencies have been monitoring the approaching severe weather system and coordinating with the National Weather Service since last weekend. Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division has deployed five swift water rescue boat teams and the dive team to southeast Missouri. In addition to the Patrol resources, there are ten other boat teams deployed to southeast Missouri. The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is coordinating with local and regional fire service mutual aid coordinators to track the positioning and capabilities of local swift-water rescue teams. The Missouri National Guard has deployed personnel to Butler County, equipped with highwater vehicles and mission capabilities to include motorist assistance, levee reinforcement and monitoring, sandbagging assistance, commodities distribution, and other potential needs. The State Emergency Operations Center is currently activated to a Level 3 with SEMA operations, planning and emergency human services staff as well as emergency support partners from the Highway Patrol, MoDOT, Missouri National Guard, Missouri Division of Fire Safety, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Task Force 1 and the American Red Cross to assist with resource coordination and requests for assistance. SEMA has also activated a Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team from Missouri Task Force 1 to deploy to Poplar Bluff. This Type 3 Task Force is a 48-person specialized rescue team that includes a 35-person specialized search and rescue team with an embedded swift water rescue capability, a logistical support team and other specialized resources and personnel. The Missouri Department of Transportation is mobilizing additional resources to impacted areas of the state to assist with traffic control, signage and barricades for flooded and closed roadways.  The Missouri Department of Natural Resources stands ready to assist communities that sustain storm damage with managing their debris and providing technical assistance to drinking water or wastewater facilities impacted by power failures or flooding.  Missourians should remember these safety tips related to flash flooding and high water: Never drive on a flooded roadway, including low-water crossing and low bridges. More than half of people who die in flooding were in vehicles. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. Night-time flooding is the most dangerous, because low visibility means you can wind up in the water before you ever see it. Slow down! Never attempt to walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you over. Follow the weather closely and follow safety instructions from local authorities. The NWS has said minor shifts in the weather system could cause rain totals to climb in. For questions or immediate assistance, Missourians are encouraged to reach out to their city or county emergency management director. For more information on road closures, visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map. Real-time emergency information is also available by tuning to local radio and television stations across the state.
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KWTO News

Foster Parents and Foster Care Workers Invited to Free Appreciation Luncheon

In honor of next month’s National Foster Care Month, I Pour Life is hosting its 3rd annual “Nurture. Thrive. Repeat.” appreciation event and resource fair for local foster parents, adoptive parents, and staff with affiliated agencies.

The event takes place on Thursday, May 1st at 11am at the Old Glass Place at 521 east St. Louis Street in Springfield.

Doors open at 9:30am for the resource fair.

The fair will be available before and after the program for those worker with older, at-risk youth, exploited youth, and youth in foster care.

It’s a unique opportunity for foster parents and professionals in the field to share knowledge and build connections to impact the youth served by I Pour Life and its affiliated agencies.

Executive Director at I Pour Life, Ben McBride, says when the group decided to host the event three years ago, they not only wanted to acknowledge those serving in foster care but to connect like-minded leaders to increase their positive impact in Springfield and southwest Missouri. “This event’s purpose is to thank and strengthen the entire support network around the youth we serve,” McBride said. “We’re committed to partnering with caring adults who also invest in creating better futures for older, at-risk, and foster youth.”

To register for the free event or to request booth space at the resource fair, click here.

I Pour Life has sponsorships available to help cover the cost of the event.

If you have questions about Nurture. Thrive. Repeat., contact Heather Neubauer at heather.neubauer@ipourlife.org.

I Pour Life is a nonprofit organization that exists to assist youth ages 16-34 through its positive youth development programs by helping youth identify and apply their unique strengths to experience a successful, self-sufficient transition into adulthood.

(photo courtesy of I Pour Life)

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Hero

Flooding and Severe Storms Possible in the Ozarks Friday

More severe thunderstorms are possible in the Ozarks on Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Greene, Christian, Jasper, Lawrence, Newton, Taney, Stone, Barry and McDonald Counties until 11:00am Friday.

Large hail and damaging wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour are the biggest threats with the morning activity, which is moving in from northern Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma.

All modes of severe weather, including tornadoes, are possible in northern Arkansas Friday, with some areas on the Missouri side of the border in line for severe thunderstorms.

Areas along a line from Harrison, Arkansas to West Plains are under a Level 3 “Enhanced Risk” for severe storms on Friday.

For the rest of the Ozarks, large hail will continue to be the biggest risk.

One of the biggest concerns forecasters have is flooding, with a Flash Flood Watch continuing for areas along and south of I-44 through Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service says expected totals increase from northwest to southeast, ranging from around 2 inches to 8 plus inches.

Some localized areas could get 10 inches of rain, creating a serious flooding situation in south central Missouri.

Get the National Weather Service’s packet with graphics on severe weather and flooding expectations here.