Springfield, Mo. – Thunderstorms are making a noisy return to Missouri this afternoon, with the first round moving across eastern and south-central areas through about 4 p.m. A second, stronger wave is expected to form along and north of I-44 after 5 p.m., bringing threats of localized flash flooding and damaging wind gusts into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, rainfall totals could reach 1 to 3 inches in the heaviest downpours, with isolated gusts topping 50 mph. Residents along I-44 and in towns such as Rolla, Lebanon, and Marshfield should be prepared for reduced visibility and possible brief road flooding during peak storms.
Drivers are urged to slow down on wet roads and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding. Outdoor evening plans in northern sections of the Ozarks may be interrupted by frequent lightning and sudden wind shifts…