STORM SYSTEM EXPECTED TO HIT THE AREA TODAY BRINGING WITH IT CHANCES OF SEVERE WEATHER
We are once again looking at possibilities of severe weather beginning today.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a very active and potentially very dangerous weather pattern will set up today and continue into the weekend.
Officials say that the entire region is at risk of severe thunderstorms today. All severe weather threats will be possible, including large to very large hail, widespread damaging winds, and potentially strong tornadoes.
Numerous rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to produce multiple inches of rainfall through Saturday night.
Heavy rainfall amounts are expected in the Missouri Bootheel and Northeast Arkansas. Some locations could receive 10 to 15 inches of rainfall.
A flood watch will be in effect for most of the area beginning this afternoon and continuing through Sunday morning. A wind advisory will also be in effect today from noon through 7 pm due to expected wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour.
MOTORISTS REMINDED TO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADS
Area residents are being encouraged to have a plan ready in case flooding were to occur in their area.
According to the National Weather Service, everybody should have a way to stay informed about the latest weather dangers. You should also learn which roadways are likely to flood in your area and find an alternative route so you can avoid them.
Never drive through fast-moving waters; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a slow-moving vehicle off the roadway. If your vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
If you live in a flood prone area, it is also smart to have bags packed so you are ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget to have items for your pets as well.
If it looks like it is going to flood in your area, residents are urged to be proactive. Leave before flooding starts to avoid getting stranded.
EF-1 TORNADO DAMAGES HOUSES AND BUILDINGS IN RIPLEY AND BUTLER COUNTY
A report from the National Weather Service in Paducah says that a tornado damaged structures in Ripley and Butler Counties Sunday evening.
The report says that an EF-1 Tornado started about two miles east-northeast of Oxly shortly after 5 pm Sunday producing mainly tree damage in Ripley County along with ripping the roof off an outbuilding along Highway B.
As the tornado continued east into Butler County it caused damage to the roof of a mobile home as well as shingle damage to another house. Several trees were also uprooted or snapped.
The tornado crossed Highway 67 and ended around three miles south-southwest of Harviell.
The tornado had peak estimated winds of 90 miles per hour and was on the ground for 9 minutes, travelling 8.7 miles.
ONE PERSON FLOWN TO MEMPHIS HOSPITAL AFTER MOPED STRUCK BY A VEHICLE NEAR POPLAR BLUFF
A Neelyville man was badly injured after his moped was hit by a vehicle Monday evening.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 5:30 pm on US Highway 67, two miles south of Poplar Bluff.
A moped being driven by a 62 year old man from Neelyville reportedly failed to yield and was struck by a vehicle and the towed unit of another vehicle.
The man suffered serious injuries and was flown to a Memphis hospital.
DONIPHAN SOPHOMORE NAMED SPORTS ILLUSTRATED GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
A Southeast Missouri basketball player has been named the Sports Illustrated National Girls Athlete of the Week for her part in bringing home a state championship.
Doniphan Sophomore Carsyn Hagood won the public vote with over 62,000 votes cast in her favor.
Hagood scored 31 points in the Doniphan Class 4 State Championship game win over Benton last month.
POPLAR BLUFF MAN TO APPEAR IN COURT THIS WEEK ON CHARGE OF ENTICEMENT OR ATTEMPTED ENTICEMENT OF A CHILD
A Poplar Bluff man is scheduled to appear in court this week following his arrest.
A warrant was issued this week for Joseph Chaney on a felony charge of enticement or attempted enticement of a child.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit, Chaney had allegedly made contact with a subject online who had claimed they were 13 years old and sent text messages to the subject requesting that they ''meetup.''
Chaney has been taken into custody and his bond was set at $100,000.
He is scheduled to appear in a Butler County courtroom on Thursday.
