Severe Thunderstorms Bring Ping Pong Ball-Sized Hail to Vernon County
Dangerous storms bring ping pong ball-sized hail and 60 mph winds to Vernon County, with warnings affecting Nevada, Moundville, Milo and Deerfield.
NEVADA, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings for Vernon County this afternoon as dangerous storms brought ping pong ball-sized hail and damaging winds to the region.
At 2:53 PM CDT, meteorologists tracked a severe thunderstorm located eight miles southwest of Nevada, moving east at 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service Springfield office. The storm produced ping pong ball-sized hail and wind gusts reaching 60 mph.
An earlier warning issued at 2:43 PM CDT tracked the same storm system seven miles southwest of Nevada, initially moving east at 15 mph with quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
Dangerous Conditions Threaten Safety
The National Weather Service warned that people and animals outdoors would be injured by the severe weather conditions. Officials cautioned residents to expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows and vehicles, along with wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.
Radar indicated the storm system as meteorologists continued monitoring its progression across the county. Both warnings remained in effect until 3:30 PM CDT today.
Multiple Communities in Storm’s Path
The severe thunderstorm warnings covered central Vernon County, with four communities directly in the storm’s projected path. Locations impacted included Nevada, Moundville, Milo and Deerfield, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm system moved steadily eastward through the afternoon, prompting officials to urge residents in affected areas to seek shelter immediately. The National Weather Service noted that vehicle damage was expected from the large hail, while the powerful wind gusts posed additional threats to structures and trees throughout the warning area.
Weather officials continued tracking the storm’s movement as it progressed through Vernon County, with conditions expected to gradually improve after the 3:30 PM expiration time for both severe thunderstorm warnings.
