Area under tornado watch until 1 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 1 a.m. for Butler County, as well as much of the surrounding area, including Bollinger, Carter, Ripley, Dunklin, Stoddard, Howell, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Cape Girardeau, Ozark, Pemiscot, Scott and Shannon counties.

The NWS reported Monday afternon that scattered thunderstorms will be possible, mainly very late this afternoon into tonight, over much of the quad state region.

A few storms may become strong to severe, especially over portions of Southeast Missouri, western Kentucky and the southern tip of Illinois.

While large hail, damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall will be the primary hazards, a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.