Severe Thunderstorms Strike Multiple Missouri Counties Early Sunday
Severe thunderstorms with 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail swept across multiple Missouri counties early Sunday, prompting National Weather Service warnings.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — Severe thunderstorms moved across Missouri early Sunday morning, leading to warnings from the National Weather Service for counties in both northwestern and east central regions of the state.
The Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office of the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Atchison County starting at 1:27 AM CDT, with storms producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. At that time, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm near Rock Port, approximately 11 miles southwest of Tarkio, moving northeast at 40 mph.
The warning, which remained in effect until 2:15 AM CDT, covered several communities including Tarkio, Rock Port, Fairfax, Blanchard, Westboro, Indian Cave State Park, and Phelps City. Interstate 29 between mile markers 99 and 114 was also within the warning area.
Storm Activity in Northwestern Missouri
A second severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 1:38 AM CDT for the same general area, with the storm located near Tarkio and continuing to move northeast at 35 mph. This warning affected Tarkio, Rock Port, Fairfax, Blanchard, and Westboro, with Interstate 29 between mile markers 110 and 115 included in the impact zone.
Weather officials warned that hail damage to vehicles was expected, along with wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees from the storms.
East Central Missouri Also Affected
At the same time, the National Weather Service office in St. Louis issued warnings for Crawford County in east central Missouri. The first warning began at 1:06 AM CDT, with a severe thunderstorm located 14 miles southwest of Steelville, moving northeast at 35 mph.
A follow-up warning was issued at 1:35 AM CDT for a storm near Steelville, continuing the northeast movement at the same speed. Communities impacted by these storms included Cook Station, Cherryville, Steelville, Cuba, Davisville, and Leasburg.
Interstate 44 in Missouri between exits 203 and 210 was within the warning area for both Crawford County storms, which carried the same hazards of 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail.
All warnings were based on radar-indicated storm activity, with meteorologists highlighting the potential for vehicle damage from hail and structural damage from high winds. The storms represented typical severe weather activity for late April in Missouri, though the early morning timing made visibility particularly challenging for any travelers on affected roadways.
