Heavy rain Thursday night, flooding possible

A cluster of showers and t-storms moving in from southwestern Missouri will track to the east-northeast Thursday evening and overnight bringing the threat of heavy rain to the Lake of the Ozarks to near Mexico where a Flash Flood Watch is in effect through early Friday morning. Rainfall amounts of 1- 2 inches are possible with highest amounts south of I-70 and lower rainfall amounts farther northwest.

Rain will increase after 8 p.m. and spread northeast, reaching Columbia and Jefferson City close to 10 p.m. Pockets of rain with rates falling at a half inch to an inch per hour are possible as the cluster of showers and t-storms move through. Severe storms are not expected.

The rain will move east and out of the area 5-7 AM with drier weather from mid-morning through afternoon. Spotty t-storms are possible in the afternoon but will be hit and miss.