VIDEO How Poplar Bluff's storm spotters keep you updated during times like Tuesday's potential severe weather

A marginal risk of severe weather has been reported by the National Weather Service for Butler and surrounding counties going into Tuesday.

A strong storm system will bring a band of showers and thunderstorms eastward Tuesday afternoon and evening, according to meteorologists. There is potential for strong winds over Southeast Missouri.

A wind advisory has been issued for the time from noon Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are expected.

“Southeast winds Tuesday afternoon will shift to the south Tuesday night, then to the west on Wednesday. Frequent 30-40 mph gusts are expected primarily Tuesday afternoon and through the day Wednesday,” the NWS reported Monday afternoon. “Gusts 40-50 mph are possible. It is uncertain whether the gustiness will continue outside of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night, but it is certainly a possibility.”

During chances of severe weather, volunteers with the Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response Team provide live updates to the National Weather Service of local conditions and share that with the public. Spotters are placed in strategic areas around Butler County, while Director Craig Meador monitors advanced radar images of incoming storms. Meador shares that with spotters and relays what they see to the NWS.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director Steve Seawright condenses the information from the various weather inputs and live streams commentary on the PBSWRT Facebook and YouTube pages. He has a mirrored setup between his home in Greenville and his workplace at the Palace of Praise.

From a central control panel, Seawright can view weather cameras, add graphics, and provide commentary for the team’s viewers. Utilizing NWS chat and the Storm Spotter Information Network, the team remains in constant contact with Paducah to provide the best picture on the ground for watches and warnings.

Seawright said the streams can be found by searching “Poplar Bluff Severe Weather Response” on Facebook and YouTube.

Additonal reporting by staff writer Joe McGraw and editor Donna Farley.