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Stoddard County is under a tornado watch until 7 p.m.
12:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., has placed Stoddard County under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes.
11:30 a.m.
While the spring storm season may be getting a later start than usual, the National Weather Service office in Paducah, Ky. is confident the storms are still coming--most likely today.
For Thursday afternoon and evening, meteorologists with the NWS have given Stoddard County a 50 percent chance of heavy rain this afternoon and an 80 percent chance of severe thunderstorms this evening.
The greatest threat for very large and damaging hail will be with the early, western storms in Missouri and Arkansas this afternoon and evening, while the damaging wind hazard will ramp up this evening and possibly overnight in the Mississippi Valley. Tornadoes--some strong with EF2 or worse damage--also are possible.
A separate band of severe thunderstorms, also offering tornado and severe-wind risk, may form tonight over parts of the Mississippi Delta region--in and near the southern part of the moderate-risk area.
The NWS has issued a hazardous weather outlook that encompasses Stoddard County for the pending weather. A "moderate risk" of severe storms is forecast across the entire region.
The main threats are listed as large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
The greatest chance for severe weather will be later today and tonight when the cold front approaches and passes through the region.
In addition, very high precipitation totals are expected throughout the area. NWS officials are referring to the storms as "very efficient rain producers." Rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour are expected to create flash flood instances.
With heavy rain on the way, a flash flood watch has been issued for counties bordering the Mississippi River.
No watches have been posted for Stoddard County as of 11:30 a.m.
Storm spotters will likely be activated today and tonight.