close
close
  • Tue. Nov 5th, 2024
    • '
    Storms are heading toward Springfield, with tornadoes possible overnight
    News

    Storms are heading toward Springfield, with tornadoes possible overnight

    author
    2 minutes, 48 seconds Read

    play

    According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, damaging winds, ping-pong ball-sized hail, flooding and even tornadoes are causing concerns for the Springfield area this evening.

    “We're expecting a sort of chaotic storm situation: We're expecting a few isolated thunderstorms to develop before a line of thunderstorms that move through a little later,” said Raychel Nelson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Springfield.

    The line of thunderstorms moving in from Kansas and Oklahoma is expected to arrive in southwest Missouri during the afternoon or early evening.

    “Our primary threat tonight is severe, damaging winds as well as possible tornadoes,” Nelson said. The line of storms will continue to move through the area overnight.

    A flash flood warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday, particularly in areas where there has already been rain. However, those planning to vote tomorrow morning shouldn't worry too much about getting soaked.

    “The showers could continue into tomorrow morning, so some people may be in a light drizzle as they stand in line to vote, but nothing severe or anything like that,” Nelson said.

    The NWS recommends that people have multiple options for obtaining weather information and alerts, including local news, NOAA Weather Radio and telephone alerts.

    More: Stormy weather is helping to put out the Mark Twain National Forest fire, which is now 100% contained

    How to stay safe during thunderstorms

    The NWS offers these tips to stay safe during thunderstorms.

    • When you are home, go to a safe place and take pets with you if time permits.
    • If you are at work or school, stay away from windows. Seek shelter in a safe room and stay away from large open spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or lecture halls.
    • If you find yourself outside, seek shelter immediately. Sheds and storage rooms are not safe.
    • Do not seek shelter under a tree. It can be fatal. The tree could fall on you and standing under it puts you at increased risk of being struck by lightning.
    • If you are in a vehicle, stay inside. If you have time, drive to the nearest animal shelter. During a severe thunderstorm, it is safer to be in a vehicle than to be outside.

    How to stay safe during tornadoes

    Tornadoes could be possible overnight, according to the NWS. Here are some tips to stay safe.

    • If you're outside, go into a modern, enclosed building. If you cannot get into the house, get to a low place, climb down and cover your head.
    • If you are in a vehicle in an urban area, slow down, park at a modern, enclosed building and try to get inside.
    • Mobile homes should be abandoned in favor of a nearby, stronger building.
    • In a modern enclosed building, the safest place is underground, in a basement or a small indoor space. If there is no basement, go into an indoor space, such as a closet or bathroom. Use blankets, pillows, or pillows to shield the body. Always stay away from windows as they can easily shatter in strong winds.
    • If you are in a public building, move to the designated protected area. Building staff will likely direct people to this area.

    Similar Posts

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *