A strong line of thunderstorms will move across the Southeast Missouri area overnight, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and a small threat of tornadoes, according to members of the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team.
The Poplar Bluff area already has seen 1-1/2 to 2 inches of rain, PBSWRT assistant director Steven Seawright said, but “we’re looking at an additional 2 to 3 inches.
“By the time we’re finished, we should be in the 4- to 5-inch range.”
A line of thunderstorms, Seawright said, is expected to pass through the region between midnight Friday and 3 a.m. Saturday, bringing not only heavy rain, but strong winds and a small chance for tornadoes.
“We’re expecting non-thunderstorm winds between 30 and 40 mph, but they could be higher in the storms,” Seawright said. “There is a slight probability for a spin-up tornado.”
Because of the strong wind threat, the entire region has been placed in a wind advisory through 9 p.m. Saturday.
With the already saturated ground and winds, the region “could see some trees downed” added PBSWRT director Craig Meador.
The severe weather threat, Meador said, should exit the area by 3 a.m., though rain and wind will continue.
Residents are encouraged to be prepared by ensuring they have a way to get notified of danger. Cellphones should be charged, and fresh batteries should be installed in weather alert radios, Meador said.
Anyone driving, Seawright said, is strongly encouraged to avoid low spots where water crosses the road.
“We always use the old adage: ‘turn around, don’t drown,’” he said.
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