Severe Thunderstorms Bring Quarter-Size Hail, 60 MPH Winds to Western Missouri
Two severe thunderstorm warnings hit western Missouri Thursday evening, bringing quarter-size hail and dangerous 60 mph winds to multiple counties.
NEVADA, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings Thursday evening as storms moved through western Missouri, bringing quarter-size hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Two separate storm systems triggered warnings across northern Vernon County and northern St. Clair County, with the National Weather Service in Springfield tracking the severe weather as it moved east at speeds between 35 and 40 mph.
First Storm System Targets Vernon County
At 5:53 p.m. Thursday, meteorologists issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Bourbon County in southeastern Kansas and northern Vernon County in west central Missouri, effective until 7:00 p.m. The storm was located over Fulton, approximately 11 miles north of Fort Scott, according to radar data.
The storm packed 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, prompting warnings of vehicle damage and potential harm to roofs, siding, and trees. Communities in the storm’s path included Nevada, Walker, Schell City, Fulton, Richards, Mapleton, Metz, Harwood, Stotesbury, Horton, Harding, Hammond, and Devon.
Second Warning Issued for St. Clair County
Minutes earlier, at 5:49 p.m., the National Weather Service had issued another severe thunderstorm warning for northern St. Clair County, set to expire at 6:45 p.m. This storm system was positioned near Appleton City, about 12 miles east of Butler, and was moving east at 40 mph.
The second storm produced even larger hail, with half dollar-size stones reported along with the same 60 mph wind speeds. Areas under threat included Truman Lake, Appleton City, Osceola, Lowry City, Johnson City, Harper, and Iconium.
Storm Impact and Safety Concerns
Both weather systems were identified through radar monitoring by the Springfield office of the National Weather Service. Officials warned residents to expect hail damage to vehicles and wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees as the storms passed through the region.
The warnings represented typical spring severe weather patterns for western Missouri, where atmospheric conditions can rapidly generate thunderstorms capable of producing significant property damage. The storms’ eastward movement suggested they would continue affecting communities downstream as the evening progressed.
