The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Howard County, Missouri, as a powerful thunderstorm moves across central Missouri capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to 0.75 inches (nickel-size).
This warning comes after several consecutive days of severe weather across Missouri, with numerous communities experiencing damaging thunderstorms, large hail, flash flooding, and repeated Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. The active weather pattern has affected counties throughout eastern, central, southeast, and southern Missouri, making this one of the state’s busiest stretches of severe weather in recent days.
Missouri’s Ongoing Severe Weather Pattern
Howard County joins a growing list of Missouri counties that have faced dangerous thunderstorms over the past several days. Communities across the state have dealt with:
- Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms
- Damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph
- Hail ranging from 0.75 inches to nearly 2 inches in diameter
- Flash flooding from repeated heavy rainfall
- Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning
- Isolated power outages and downed tree limbs
With saturated ground in some areas and repeated storm development, additional rounds of severe weather can quickly create hazardous travel conditions and localized flooding.
Expected Hazards
- Wind Gusts: Up to 60 mph
- Hail: Up to 0.75 inches
- Frequent Lightning
- Heavy Rainfall
- Localized Flooding in Poor Drainage Areas
- Reduced Visibility During Heavy Downpours
Areas Affected
The warning includes:
- Howard County, Missouri
Residents should remain indoors and continue monitoring weather conditions until the warning expires.
Potential Impacts
Wind gusts near 60 mph are capable of:
- Downing tree limbs
- Causing isolated power outages
- Damaging roofs, siding, and outdoor structures
- Blowing around unsecured outdoor objects
Although 0.75-inch hail is relatively small compared to some recent Missouri storms, it can still damage vegetation, dent vehicles, and create hazardous driving conditions.
Severe Weather Safety
If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for your location:
- Move indoors immediately.
- Stay away from windows.
- Delay travel until the storm passes.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items.
- Charge mobile devices in case of power outages.
- Continue monitoring forecasts in case additional warnings are issued.
Stay Weather Aware
Forecasts indicate the active weather pattern across Missouri may continue, meaning additional severe thunderstorms could develop after this warning. Residents should stay alert, especially if more storms move over areas that have already experienced heavy rain or severe weather in recent days.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
