Large Hail and Damaging Winds Expected Saturday Afternoon and Evening

While the weather should be calm to start your weekend, there’s a growing risk for severe thunderstorms arriving mid-afternoon Saturday and continuing into the evening.

The National Weather Service says large hail up to the size of baseballs, damaging winds up to 70 miles per hour, and an isolated tornado are possible.

Areas east of Interstate 49, including the Springfield metro area, are under a Level 3 “enhanced risk” for severe weather.

The weather service says the highest confidence for storm development is between 1-3 p.m.

Forecasters say brief, localized heavy rainfall will also be possible Saturday, but widespread flooding is not expected.

Listen to 93-3 A-M 560 KWTO for the latest watches and warnings, and any hail, wind, or damage reports that come in from area spotters.