Two-part storm front expected to arrive overnight

The National Weather Service in Paducah predicted storms could move through the area in the overnight hours during a severe weather conference hosted Tuesday.

“There is a good amount of uncertainty on exactly where the storms initiate and if they initiate,” said an NWS weather forecaster.

“Let’s say we get some storms to develop (in) Northwest Arkansas (and) South Central Missouri, and then they’ll try to move east, northeast and may enter into...Carter, Ripley, Butler and Wayne counties in Missouri, probably 10 p.m. at the earliest.”

A wide time range was predicted for the storms of anywhere from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois because there was a lot of “variability in models right now,” making exact timing difficult to predict.

Another scenario, according to NWS forecaster Ryan Presley, is that the storms remain in South Central Missouri overnight and hit Southeast Missouri on Wednesday. They could also be somewhat weaker by this time.

“We’re thinking that it’s more than likely it’s going to stay dry tonight, and most of the storm chance is going to hold off until during the day on Wednesday,” Presley said.

The system is expected to arrive in two waves. When the second wave appears will depend on how fast the system moves overnight.

“Depending upon how far eastward the thunderstorms are able to progress tonight, it’s possible that we’re going to see a second round tomorrow,” Presley explained.

While there is no threat of flooding expected with the possible storms, wind and tornadoes remain a threat, according to the NWS.

The NWS suggests everyone make sure they have a way to receive alerts. Weather updates can be found at weather.gov.