Weather Alert Day: Isolated strong to severe storms possible near the I-44 corridor on Friday
Chance Gotsch
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The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for the threat of severe thunderstorms along and just north of the I-44 corridor on early Friday afternoon. Storms are expected to develop ahead of a cold front that will work east through the afternoon. Much of Mid-Missouri will miss out on any storms, but those in this zone could potentially see storms with very large hail and tornadoes.
SETUP
An upper level low pressure system moving across the U.S. and Canadian border will be passing just to the north of Missouri bringing with it a cold front through the state. Instability grows throughout late morning into early afternoon as dew points rise ahead of the front, providing energy for storms to sustain themselves. Instability is maximized across eastern Missouri by early afternoon, creating a volatile environment for rotating storms.
Along the cold front, storms look to pop-up closer to the I-44 corridor. The exact position of where these storms begin is currently unknown but a general area of concern will be closer to I-44. This is where the moisture starts to fill in increasing storm coverage.
If the front slows down, more of Mid-Missouri will be able to destabilize, increasing the severe threat farther west. If the front speeds up, much of our area remains dry and misses the severe threat completely.
FUTURETRACK
HAZARDS
Far southeastern portions of Mid-Missouri including Rolla and Owensville remain in a threat level 3/5 while the potential for severe weather drops off west of Highway 63.
Strong winds and damaging hail remain the primary risk, but a tornado or two remains possible before storms exit east into the early evening hours.
Make sure to have the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather App downloaded if you have outdoor plans. The weekend is looking dry, but strong storms and heavy rain could return late Sunday through Tuesday with an active pattern setting up.
