Severe Storms Threaten Ozarks With Hail, Winds Through Midnight

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Strong thunderstorms are expected to develop west of Springfield, Missouri on Wednesday evening, bringing the risk of large hail, damaging winds, and even a few tornadoes through late overnight hours. Cities along the I-49 corridor, including Joplin and Neosho, face the highest threat, while the Springfield and Branson areas could also see intense storms later in the night.

Why it matters

Severe weather can cause significant property damage, power outages, and disruptions to travel and evening plans across the Ozarks region. Residents need to be prepared to take shelter quickly if storms approach their area.

The details

According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, the storms are expected to intensify Wednesday evening, especially west of U.S. Highway 65. The main hazards include hail up to the size of golf balls and wind gusts strong enough to cause tree damage and scattered power outages. A few tornadoes cannot be ruled out, though the overall risk remains low.

• The storms are expected to develop west of Highway 65 on Wednesday evening.
• Storm activity may continue past midnight before weakening, with additional alerts possible as conditions evolve overnight.

What’s next

Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, secure outdoor items, and be prepared to move indoors quickly if storms approach their area.