HEAVY FLOODING POSSIBLE WITH UPCOMING STORM SYSTEM

Weather officials are preparing for a possible severe weather event this week.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a very active and potentially very dangerous weather pattern will set up by Wednesday and continue into the weekend.

Officials say that the entire region is under an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms on Wednesday. All severe weather threats will be possible, including large to very large hail, widespread damaging winds, and potentially strong tornadoes.

TORNADOES, HAIL, AND WIND DAMAGE REPORTED DURING WEEKEND STORMS 

Sunday afternoon’s storm system brought tornadoes, hail, and wind damage to areas of Southeast Missouri. 

According to the National Weather Service, golf ball sized hail was reported near Doniphan and Qulin. There were also reports of hail in Carter, Dunklin, Stoddard, and Wayne counties. 

Preliminary storm reports indicate that two tornados touched down between 4:50 pm and 5:17 pm Sunday, in Ripley and Southern Butler counties, causing damage including a barn roof being blown off. Winds were estimated to be between 65 to 75 miles per hour. Additional reports of trees and power lines were down along Highway 142 in Butler County. 

No injuries were reported from the severe storms on Sunday.

SEVERE WEATHER POSSIBLE WITH UPCOMING STORM SYSTEM 

A line of storms crossing the area on Sunday is bringing with it the possibility of severe weather. 

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, there is the potential for a line of severe storms to produce large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes as it moves across the area Sunday afternoon into the evening hours. 

Officials say that winds could gust up to 35 miles per hour ahead of the storms. 

Most areas have a chance of seeing a half inch or more rain Saturday, although officials added that flooding concerns are low.