The Cook Cast

15/05/2023

Flood watch is now in effect until 10 pm tonight. Be aware of very heavy rainfall this afternoon and evening that may lead to flooding concerns.

10/05/2023

UPDATE: Earlier this evening, sirens sounded in some communities. This was due to spotter reports of rotation. From best I could tell from my vantage point, along with video I have seen since, this was actually low clouds that look scary but often form along an outflow boundary of a storm. The motion is traditionally rising or forward and not what would lead to a tornado. This is why no rotation was visible on radar. This is also likely why, despite spotter reports, the NWS did NOT issue a tornado warning.

Spotters have a tough job and it is hard to tell the difference in this area due to terrain. I am thankful that emergency management acted out of an abundance of caution. Better to be safe than sorry. Thank you to all who work to keep us safe.

10/05/2023

Sirens are going off in Monett, but I see no reason for them to be.

09/05/2023

15/04/2023

🚨The Monett area should be prepared for a rapidly developing storm near Fairview. It is moving into an atmosphere conducive for VERY large hail. 🚨

15/04/2023

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15/04/2023

Please be alert this afternoon across the region for severe weather. Main threat will be very large hail (possibly tennis ball size or larger) but high winds and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

05/04/2023

Over the next half hour, keep an eye on these merging cells down in Newton and McDonald county. These may spell trouble for areas NE of there.

05/04/2023

Severe Thunderstorm Watch now in effect until 10 AM!

03/04/2023

🚨I try not to overhype systems and the potential for severe weather, but late tomorrow into the overnight hours is looking potentially dangerous for the potential of a severe weather outbreak. This includes tornadoes (some strong), large hail, and damaging winds. Please stay up-to-date on the forecast, have ways to get watches and warnings, and take this threat seriously. 🚨

31/03/2023

Please be weather aware today! High Wind Warnings are uncommon for our area. Winds could cause all kinds of problems today.

26/02/2023

Heads up everyone. Late tonight a squall line could bring winds of 70+ mph through parts of the region. Winds outside of the storms will also gust to 45 mph.

14/02/2023

Very windy today. Gusts could exceed 50 mph at times, so hang onto your Valentine or they might wind up airborne. 😂

08/02/2023

Heavy rain tomorrow may result in some flooding concerns in the region highlighted in the flood watch.

05/02/2023

GREAT NEWS! Some of us could hit 60º+ today with light winds!
ENJOY!

02/02/2023

I've got good news for you!!!

01/02/2023

Great news! Dry air has filtered in to the region and should keep most ice chances south of the area later today into tomorrow. Will continue to monitor in case something changes, but for now... we look to remain dry through Friday!

31/01/2023

Within 10 minutes we have recovered the roads in Monett with sleet and snow.

31/01/2023

Midday Update: precip looks a bit more organized and stronger than models were forecasting. Areas south of this blue line could see additional travel impacts as this next wave moves through. The good news is that it should not last too long.

31/01/2023

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued until 6 p.m. for the areas in purple for another wave of wintry weather. This should be lighter than yesterday, but could still put down another 1/2" of sleet and snow on top of what has already fallen.

31/01/2023

Some good news this morning if you are tired of the snow and ice: road conditions are improving across the region.

Also, today's round of wintry weather looks to be lighter than yesterday... mainly just some flurries or light freezing drizzle. Biggest impacts today are likely to be felt along and SE of a Cassville to Ava line.

Will keep you updated if anything changes.

30/01/2023

Areas in the blue box will likely see the most impact between now and late afternoon. Areas along and south of US 60 will see the highest amounts, especially along the Arkansas line.

30/01/2023

UPDATE: Far Southern Missouri has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for up to 1" of sleet this afternoon. This includes Barry, Christian, McDonald, Stone, and Taney counties.

30/01/2023

The area I have circled in blue is an area of concern over the next few hours as snow, sleet, and freezing rain develop in an area of instability. Thunder and lightning is occurring in some of these cells. Travel impacts will worsen in these areas.

30/01/2023

Please use caution this morning if you have to travel. More snow/sleet/freezing drizzle is on the way today.

30/01/2023

The *WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY* has now been extended until midnight tonight for Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Stone, and Taney counties. Another wave of energy will roll through today bringing a wintry mix of sleet and snow to the region.

30/01/2023

Update from Joplin…

***EMERGENCY ROAD CONDITIONS***
Due to the inclement weather, the Joplin Police Department has initiated emergency road conditions. Under these conditions, the department asks all drivers to only venture out if it is absolutely necessary. If you are involved in a traffic crash and no one is injured, the drivers are to exchange information including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers. Drivers should also move their vehicles off of the roadway as soon as possible.

Officers will only respond to any crash involving injuries or where one of the drivers leaves the scene without exchanging information.

Drivers who are involved in a non-injury crash during the inclement weather and would like to complete a report may come to the Joplin Police Department after the weather conditions improve and complete a form. You may prefer to obtain the same form online at your convenience at http://dor.mo.gov/forms/1140.pdf.

29/01/2023

UPDATE 5:30pm:

The highway has been returned to normal operations. Bridges and overpasses are extremely slick at this point, as well as some slick spots on our roadways. Use caution if you need to be out!

TRAFFIC ALERT!!!! US 60 is CLOSED between Lawrence 1160 and the Business Highway 60 Verona turn off, due to an accident on the Spring River Bridge. This is the second accident in the area in as many hours. Please avoid the area.

29/01/2023

Getting reports of bridges becoming slick and an increased number of accidents. Be careful if traveling. Conditions will deteriorate further as the sun sets.

29/01/2023

🚨 A Winter Weather Advisory begins at 4 pm and continues through Monday at 9 am for areas of SW MO! Light accumulations of freezing rain, sleet, and snow will be likely. Watch out for road impacts as we approach the evening into the overnight hours. 🚨

29/01/2023

Light freezing drizzle is possible today across the area. Watch out for slick spots, especially on elevated surfaces like bridges, overpasses, and decks.