Flood Watch Issued for Southwest Missouri as Heavy Storms Expected Friday Night
Flood watch issued for 21 Missouri counties as thunderstorms threaten 1-4 inches of rain Friday night, with rivers already above flood stage.
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service issued a flood watch Thursday evening for portions of southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas, warning that excessive rainfall from thunderstorms could cause flooding through Saturday morning.
The flood watch, issued at 2:14 a.m. Thursday and extending until 7:00 a.m. Saturday, covers 21 Missouri counties including Barton, Benton, Camden, Cedar, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, Maries, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Clair, Vernon and Webster counties.
“A round of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall is likely Friday night,” according to the National Weather Service Springfield office. “Rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches with localized amounts of 3-4 inches are possible.”
Rivers Already Above Flood Stage
Multiple rivers across the region are experiencing flooding conditions. The Little Osage River near Horton in Vernon County reached 42.0 feet Thursday evening, one foot above flood stage. The river is forecast to fall below flood stage Friday morning but rise again Saturday evening to 42.2 feet before receding Monday morning.
The Sac River near Caplinger Mills in Cedar County was also above its 16.0-foot flood stage Thursday evening, with waters reaching 16.2 feet. The river is expected to crest at 18.0 feet just after midnight Thursday night before falling below flood stage Friday morning.
Severe Weather Outbreak Continues
The region has been battered by severe thunderstorms since Wednesday afternoon, with the National Weather Service issuing dozens of warnings for damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding. Golf ball-sized hail was reported in Iberia, while law enforcement confirmed half dollar-sized hail near Eugene in Miller County.
Flash flood warnings remained in effect for multiple counties Thursday evening, including areas around Iberia, Vienna, Brinktown, Olean and Etterville. Doppler radar indicated up to 3 inches of rain had fallen in some locations, with additional rainfall continuing.
Flood Safety Preparations
The National Weather Service warned that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas. Low-water crossings are expected to be flooded, creating dangerous driving conditions.
Officials emphasized that streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall across central Missouri. Areas that experienced heavy rainfall Wednesday afternoon could see continued flooding into Friday as water works its way through the drainage system.
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued Wednesday afternoon for 14 counties in central and south-central Missouri, remaining in effect until 9:00 p.m. The watch area included cities such as Rolla, Lebanon, Marshfield, Mountain Grove, Salem and Ozark.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to monitor local conditions and avoid driving through flooded roadways. The National Weather Service continues to track the developing weather pattern as additional storms are expected Friday night.
