Mid-Missouri under tornado watch, urged to plan ahead

A large portion of mid-Missouri is under a tornado watch until 10:00 p.m. Chief Meteorologist Sharon Ray explains that it is a strong threat, meaning that if any tornados do develop, they have the potential to be as strong as an EF5 and as fast as 50 mph.

“People need to be ready to act and plan now,” says Ray.

The main line of storms will start around 7:00 p.m. north of I-70, and will continue to develop and move southeast until about 4:00 a.m.

We are also under a very large hail threat, with the possibility of golf ball sized hail. The potential for flooding is very low, but lightning is a concern, as it is for all storms.

ABC 17 News will continue to update you with any more information. Remember to get a plan in place in case of a tornado forming in your area.