On Friday, March 14, 2025, Mid-Missouri experienced significant severe weather, including hail, strong wind gusts, and multiple severe thunderstorm warnings.
The day was marked by rapidly changing conditions that prompted tornado watches and advisories across the region.
Severe Weather Warnings and Watches
Throughout the day, several severe weather alerts were issued:
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings: Issued for various counties, including Hickory, Cedar, Benton, Polk, Lawrence, Greene, St. Clair, Jasper, and Dade, with threats of 70 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.
- Tornado Watches: Issued for multiple counties in Missouri, including Madison, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin, effective from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. CT. These watches indicated favorable conditions for tornado development.
Impact of Severe Weather
- Hail: Reports of hail up to quarter size in several areas, leading to potential damage to vehicles and crops.
- Wind Gusts: Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching up to 55 to 65 mph, causing power outages and structural damage.
- Tornado Activity: Multiple tornadoes touched down, including significant activity in the Mississippi Valley, leading to property damage and prompting emergency responses.
Safety Recommendations
Residents were advised to:
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local news outlets.
- Seek Shelter: Identify safe locations within homes, such as basements or interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- Prepare Emergency Kits: Have essentials like flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents readily available.
- Avoid Travel: Refrain from unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions and adhere to road closures.
The severe weather event of March 14, 2025, in Mid-Missouri underscored the importance of preparedness and vigilance.
Residents who took proactive measures to stay informed and follow safety guidelines were better equipped to handle the challenges posed by the storms.