Tornado Watch Issued for Missouri Ozarks and Kansas

Severe storms with hail, high winds, and possible tornadoes expected until 4AM

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of the Missouri Ozarks and southeastern Kansas, including areas along and west of Interstate 49. The watch is in effect until 4AM and warns of the potential for hail up to golf ball size, wind gusts between 60-70 mph, and isolated tornadoes.

Why it matters

Tornado watches are issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes, which can cause significant damage and threaten public safety. Residents in the affected areas should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

The details

The tornado watch covers portions of Benton, Camden, Dallas, Hickory, and Morgan counties in Missouri, as well as areas of southeastern Kansas. Meteorologists are forecasting the potential for severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes in the region throughout the overnight hours.

  • The tornado watch is in effect until 4AM on March 11, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather watches, warnings, and forecasts for the United States.

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What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should continue to monitor local media and weather alerts, and be prepared to seek shelter if tornado warnings are issued.

The takeaway

This tornado watch serves as an important reminder for communities in the Ozarks and southeastern Kansas to stay vigilant and have emergency plans in place, as severe weather can strike at any time and cause significant damage.