Severe storms possible Thursday afternoon

There is a potential for thunderstorms developing along and ahead of a cold front this afternoon to become strong to severe.

The cold front is positioned north to south and is entering Missouri Thursday afternoon. Thunderstorms have started to develop west of Highway 65 and have the potential of intensifying once they cross into western Mid-Missouri.

If these storms do become severe, they have the potential of bringing large hail up to 1″ in diameter or greater, damaging winds in excess of 60 MPH, and isolated tornadoes.

A Tornado Watch is in effect for Audrain, Boone, Cole, Callaway, Gasconade, Moniteau, Osage, Gasconade, Howard, Randolph, Chariton, Saline, Pettis, Montgomery, Macon, and Monroe counties until 8:00 p.m.

These storms will move into our western counties by 2-3 PM and spread east into the Columbia and Jefferson City area by 3-5 PM.

The severe threat will quickly diminish this evening behind the front, as the atmosphere re-stabilizes. Much cooler temperatures are expected overnight, and quiet weather returns for Friday.

For the latest updates from the ABC 17 Stormtrack weather team, click here.

To sign up for text alerts for warnings, click here.