A tornado has been sighted by the National Weather Service (NWS) on their weather radar. The tornado warning is issued for east-central Lawrence County, Barry, Stone and Greene County until midnight. Areas northwest of Springfield could also be hit by an ice storm.
The severe thunderstorm was first spotted on the NWS’ bulletin at 11.22pm local time on February 6, near the city of Aurora.
Meteorologist Steve Lindenberg said the best chance for severe weather overnight will be along and south of Highway 60, which crosses southern parts of Missouri.
Up to three inches of rain is also possible on Thursday afternoon for most people in those areas – along with some dense fog.
If you live northwest of Springfield, up to four-tenths of an inch of freezing rain could also create hazards tonight.
The NWS has said the storm is capable of producing a tornado and quarter size hail.
Tornadoes are life-threatening and can devastate neighbourhoods in seconds.
Damage paths from a tornado can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
Wind speeds could get up to 300mph and often pick up a cloud of debris.
When a tornado warning is issued, people should take immediate action and seek shelter.
People in the affected area should take cover by moving into a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building with no windows.
If you find yourself in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
In the meantime, a tornado warning issued for parts of several Middle Tennessee counties was cancelled before 3pm local time on February 6.
The NWS issued the warning for areas near Watertown, including:
- Southwestern De Kalb County
- Northeastern Rutherford County
- Southeastern Wilson County
- Northern Cannon County