Tornado Warning Lifted, Severe Thunderstorm Alert Continues in Oregon County
Tornado alert cancelled in Oregon County as severe thunderstorm brings two-inch hail and 70 mph winds to eastern Missouri communities.
ALTON, MISSOURI — A tornado warning that prompted emergency alerts across eastern Oregon County was cancelled Monday evening after the immediate threat diminished, though severe weather conditions continued to threaten the region with large hail and damaging winds.
The National Weather Service Springfield issued the initial tornado warning at 3:54 PM CDT for a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado located nine miles northwest of Alton, moving east at 45 mph. The warning covered Alton, Thomasville, Greer, and Wilderness until 4:15 PM CDT.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely,” the weather service warned during the tornado alert.
Storm Intensifies with Two-Inch Hail
Emergency management officials reported the storm system produced two-inch hail and wind gusts reaching 70 mph as it moved through the area. At 4:09 PM CDT, the severe thunderstorm was positioned eight miles west of Handy, approximately 17 miles southwest of Van Buren.
The weather service warned that people and animals outdoors would be injured by the severe conditions. Officials predicted hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles, along with considerable tree damage and wind damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
Wilderness and Greer remained in the storm’s path as it continued moving east at 50 mph.
Ongoing Weather Threats
Although the tornado warning was lifted at 4:15 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm warning remained in effect for eastern Oregon County. The National Weather Service emphasized that large hail and damaging winds continued to pose significant threats to the region.
A broader severe thunderstorm watch stayed active until 6:00 PM CDT for south central Missouri, indicating conditions remained favorable for additional severe weather development.
The weather service urged residents to report severe weather conditions to their nearest law enforcement agency, which would relay the information to the National Weather Service Springfield. Officials continued monitoring the storm system as it progressed eastward through the region.
