Tornado Watch issued, severe storms possible Wednesday

A Tornado Watch has been issued for Chariton, Saline, Randolph, and Macon counties until 6:00 p.m.

The greatest threat with afternoon storms is the potential for 60+ mph winds. Areas shaded in orange, have a 30% probability, areas shaded in yellow have a 15% probability from any given point in a 25 mile radius.

An isolated tornado isn’t ruled out either. There will be a sufficent amount of wind shear (directional and speed) where storms could produce a tornado. On the other hand, if wind shear is too great, this may rip storms apart or prevent these from reaching the severe criteria. Notice this areas shaded in green are in the 5% mainly north of HWY 24. Counties that favor the development for tornadoes are Macon, Monroe, northern Audrain, Randolph and Chariton in northern Mid-Missouri.

Storms will have the potential to bring large hail, although it isn’t the main concern with these storms. Here is the probability of hail within a point of a 25 mile radius.

Stay with the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team for the latest updates here.