Widespread storms Thu night- Friday, severe threat

Rounds of storms are expected from Thursday night through Friday as a cold front slowly moves through Mid-Missouri. Isolated storms are possible north of I-70 during the day Thursday but most will hold off until evening as a line of storms moves in from the northwest. These will move in as early as 8 PM and move south as they dissipate by 6 AM Friday. These storms could produce damaging wind of 58 mph or greater and large hailof 1 inch diameter or greater. There is also a low tornado chance. Areas north of HWY 50 are in a Slight Risk for severe storms but that decreases to a Marginal Risk farther south into the Ozarks.

Due to the slow movement of the cold front, storms are expected to develop by Friday afternoon in southwestern Missouri and spread northeast, affecting areas south of I-70 until 10 PM Friday night when they are expected to move southeast of I-44 and out of Mid-Missouri. As the atmosphere becomes more unstable in the afternoon, storms could strengthen and become severe as it looks like there will be moderate wind shear in place. Damaging wind and large hail are the main threats for Friday afternoon, south of I-70.

Storms will be efficient rain producers and heavy rain is possible. From 7 PM Thu to 7 PM Fri, a half inch to an inch of rain is possible in most of Mid-Missouri but higher amounts up to an inch and a half could be reached in the Ozarks and north of I-70. Localized flooding is possible but at this time, widespread flooding is not expected.

Please watch ABC17 News for the newest timing, threats and forecast rain amounts and check back here for updates.