Tornado Watch issued Friday for Pettis County

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 8 p.m. Friday, March 31 for several areas in Missouri, including Pettis County.

Missouri counties include Cooper, Howard, Pettis, Saline, Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Putnam, Randolph, Sullivan, Adair, Schuyler, Clinton, DeKalb, Gentry, Worth, Lafayette, and Ray.

According to the NWS, severe storms are expected Friday afternoon, mainly east of Interstate 35; the chance of precipitation for Sedalia is 60%. The Hazardous Weather Outlook states that the best chance for widespread severe storms will be in central and northeastern Missouri later Friday afternoon into the evening. Tornadoes, strong wind, and large hail will be possible.

Winds out of the south will continue through the day around 30 to 40 mph, with gusts approaching 50 to 60 mph at times. This will combine with dry conditions to create strong fire weather concerns through the day and overnight.

Winds are expected to continue later Friday night into early Saturday morning out of the west around 30 to 40 mph, with gusts around 50 mph.

The next chance for thunderstorms comes Monday and Tuesday; strong to severe storms may be possible on Tuesday.

Temperatures Friday will be a low around 36 and a high near 75. On Saturday, it is expected to be breezy, with a low around 36 and a high near 54. On Sunday, temperatures will return to the 70s with a high of 71 and a low of 51. It will be sunny and breezy, with a 20% chance of rain between 8 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday.

On Monday, there is a 30% chance of rain between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The high will be near 73, with a low around 57. There is another 30% chance of rain after 2 p.m. Tuesday. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 81 and a low around 42.

Temps will cool off again, with highs in the high 50s and lows in the 30s Wednesday and Thursday.

Pettis County is also under a Wind Advisory until 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1.

According to the NWS, west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected for portions of central, north central and northeast Missouri. NWS encourages people to use extra caution when driving and to secure outdoor objects.

The advisory was initially issued Friday morning, March 30.

A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for Pettis County until 9 p.m. Friday, March 31. The NWS states the warning is due to low relative humidity and gusty west winds. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

According to the NWS, a Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

The warning was initially issued Friday morning, March 30.