Be careful. High winds, hail and flash floods are all possible throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
According to the National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky, a cold front is expected to move into the Southeast Missouri region some time between 5-7 p.m. Friday. Forecast models indicate a possible danger of damaging winds and some hail.
“Having multiple storms in close succession also raises the possibility of flash floods,” senior forecaster Keith Cooley explained. “I know it’s not ideal to have serious weather during a holiday weekend, but we need to be aware of what could happen.”
Cooley went on to explain that the most damaging band of weather was forecasted to move east, but has actually moved north of the Bootheel area.
“The main threat for Friday appears to be damaging winds,” he said. “I would say the tornado probability is fairly low for Friday night.”
Cooley explained that the dew point is high at around the mid 60s while the cold front moves east; and a warm front is approximately one day behind it moving southeast.
“Saturday appears to have very little storm activity for the area — although it is still possible,” he remarked. “But Sunday looks like it will be the most potentially hazardous time for the area.”
Cooley elaborated to say that the severe weather for Sunday is expected to move in around 7 a.m. as the warm front heads toward Southeast Missouri and into western Kentucky.
“Although the severe weather probability is showing to be north of southeast Missouri, all hazards will be possible on Sunday,” Cooley explained. “Monday will see a cold front move in that could possibly spread some severe weather. Right now, Sunday appears to be the greatest risk for severe weather.”
Cooley said he hopes people will heed advisories and spread the information to their friends and loved ones.