Flash Flooding and Hail in Missouri, June 3 to 5, 2020

Name: Flash Flooding and Hail in Missouri, June 3 to 5, 2020
Start: 2020-06-03T14:34
End: 2020-06-05T04:37
Location: Missouri

June 3 to 5, 2020 · NWS SGF · 41 events in 20 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $779,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 41

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS SGF wrote it up.

A complex of strong to severe thunderstorms that developed over the Central Plains during the evening of the 3rd tracked southeastward into the Missouri Ozarks and southeast Kansas during the early and mid-morning hours of the 4th. The storms|produced wind gusts over 60 mph and caused widespread damage to roofs, trees and power lines from Horton to Branson. In addition to the strong winds, rainfall accumulations over two inches occurred over central Missouri near Rolla, Lebanon and Lake of the Ozarks, and caused flooding and road closures on several county routes.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Springfield, MO wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 3, 1:39 PM CST, 55 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 3, 1:39 PM CST, 55 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Springfield MO
239 PM CDT Wed Jun 3 2020

.SHORT TERM...(This afternoon through Thursday)
Issued at 201 PM CDT Wed Jun 3 2020

Scattered showers and thunderstorms have developed this afternoon
south of the Interstate 44 corridor in the vicinity of a weak
upper level disturbance. These storms should expand in coverage as
cold pools kick up new updrafts. A few of these storms may put
down some locally damaging wind gusts and perhaps some hail up to
the size of quarters.

Meanwhile, the environment has been a bit more hostile for
thunderstorm development north of the I-44 corridor due to mid-
level dry air. This could change late this afternoon, especially
if outflow can get that far north. Again, a few of these storms
could produce some locally damaging wind gusts and hail (if they
can develop).

Attention will then turn to our north this evening and overnight
as there is some model consensus in developing a MCS. If this
system can develop, it would tend to dive south through portions
of the Missouri Ozarks and southeastern Kansas sometime later this
evening or overnight. There would be an attendant damaging wind
and locally heavy rainfall threat with these storms.

If this MCS can develop and is slow to clear the region, it is
quite possible we see activity lag into Thursday morning.
Regardless, there will be some additional potential for afternoon
pop-up storms in the heating of the day. We will have to keep tabs
on any remaining outflow boundaries for possible triggers for
initiation. The atmosphere will be supportive for a Marginal Risk
for severe storms on Thursday (mainly due to CAPE profiles).

As for temperatures, we went with the model blend for lows tonight
with most areas ranging from the middle 60s to around 70. Morning
storms and leftover clouds could play at least a small role for
highs on Thursday. We are still reasonably confident that highs
will reach the middle to upper 80s. Some locations out towards
I-49 may reach the 90 degree mark.

.LONG TERM...(Thursday Night through Wednesday)
Issued at 201 PM CDT Wed Jun 3 2020

An upper level ridge will then build over the region from Friday
through the weekend. This will result in a continued warming trend
with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Models have actually
trended 1-2 degrees warmer over the last few cycles. With dew
points expected to generally be in the upper 60s to lower 70s,
afternoon heat indices will range from 90-100 degrees.

A few pop-up storms will again be possible on Friday, especially
across the eastern Ozarks. The potential for storms should then
diminish (at least somewhat) this weekend as that ridge builds in.
We will have to watch for MCS potential from Friday night into
Saturday, especially across the eastern Ozarks if activity rides
down the eastern periphery of the ridge.

Models then continue to advertise the potential for the remnants
of Tropical Storm Cristobal moving up through the region early
next week. While the exact track and timing remain uncertain,
this system may carry some heavy rainfall potential. It certainly
bears watching given our recent heavy rainfall and the status of
regional lake levels.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Thursday afternoon)
Issued at 1201 PM CDT Wed Jun 3 2020

VFR ceilings will prevail for much of the period. However,
scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon across south-
central Missouri. This may include the Branson and possibly the
Springfield aerodromes. There is then the potential for another
round of thunderstorms late tonight and Thursday morning, however
confidence in occurrence is rather low. MVFR and brief IFR
conditions can be expected around storms along with gusty and
erratic winds. Outside of thunderstorms, surface winds will
remain out of the south to southwest at 5-12 knots.

&&

.SGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MO...NONE.
KS...NONE.
&&

SHORT TERM...Schaumann
LONG TERM...Schaumann
AVIATION...Schaumann

Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 3, 1:46 PM CST, 48 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Springfield MO
246 PM CDT Wed Jun 3 2020

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-042000-
Bourbon-Crawford-Cherokee-Benton-Morgan-Miller-Maries-Vernon-
St. Clair-Hickory-Camden-Pulaski-Phelps-Barton-Cedar-Polk-Dallas-
Laclede-Texas-Dent-Jasper-Dade-Greene-Webster-Wright-Newton-
Lawrence-Christian-Douglas-Howell-Shannon-McDonald-Barry-Stone-
Taney-Ozark-Oregon-
246 PM CDT Wed Jun 3 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Missouri
Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

  Limited hail risk.
  Limited thunderstorm wind damage risk.
  Limited flooding risk.
  Elevated lightning risk.
  Limited excessive heat risk.

DISCUSSION...

  Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will continue into early
  this evening, especially near and south of the Interstate 44
  corridor. A few storms may produce locally damaging wind
  gusts and hail up to the size of quarters.

  A complex of thunderstorms may then push south across
  portions of the outlook area this evening or later tonight.
  If these storms materialize, damaging winds and hail up to
  the size of quarters will be possible.

  Locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning will be
  possible with all thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

  Scattered thunderstorms are expected from Thursday into
  Saturday, and possibly again early next week. A few strong
  to severe storms will be possible Thursday into Thursday
  night. Locally damaging wind gusts and hail to the size of
  quarters will be the primary potential severe weather
  hazards.

  Afternoon heat indices from 90 to 100 degrees are expected
  from Thursday through Sunday.

  There is then some potential for the remnants of Tropical
  Storm Cristobal to track north through the region early next
  week. While the track remains uncertain, there would be the
  potential for heavy rainfall in its vicinity.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

  Spotter activation may be needed into tonight for portions
  of the Missouri Ozarks and extreme southeastern Kansas.

&&

More detailed information can be accessed at:
http://www.weather.gov/sgf/sitrep

This product in graphical format...along with other weather...
hydrological and climate information...at
http://www.weather.gov/sgf

Schaumann

The radar

The Springfield radar (KSGF), 163 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:34 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

22 thunderstorm wind, 9 flash flood, 9 heavy rain, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Howell

When: June 3, 2:34 PM CST
Where: Howell County, Lanton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.520, -91.800

Quarter sized hail was reported.

Flash Flood, Maries

When: June 4, 2:11 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST
Where: Maries County, 1.77 mi WSW of Shantytown to 1.74 mi WSW of Shantytown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.020, -92.080

County Road 624 was flooded and impassable due to flooding along the Maries River.

Flash Flood, Pulaski

When: June 4, 2:36 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST
Where: Pulaski County, 2.58 mi ESE of Helm to 2.38 mi SE of Helm
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.960, -92.110

Jones Creek at Highway O was flooded and impassable.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vernon

When: June 4, 2:52 AM CST
Where: Vernon County, 3.88 mi SE of Horton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.940, -94.330

Several trees were reported down and an antenna was snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Benton

When: June 4, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Benton County, 2.89 mi WNW of Cole Camp
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 38.482, -93.251

Multiple large tree limbs were downed and a home weather station recorded a gust of 73 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cedar

When: June 4, 3:14 AM CST
Where: Cedar County, Wagoner
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.670, -93.930

A couple of large walnut trees were uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cedar

When: June 4, 3:20 AM CST to 3:21 AM CST
Where: Cedar County, 2.85 mi W of Stockton Muni Arpt to 2.19 mi W of Stockton Muni Arpt
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.673, -93.872

Multiple large limbs were blown out of trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dade

When: June 4, 3:25 AM CST
Where: Dade County, 2.35 mi NNW of Lockwood
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $12,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.410, -93.990

Multiple large limbs were blown out of trees. One landed on a vehicle breaking the windshield and causing minor body damage. Other branches were hung in power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dade

When: June 4, 3:28 AM CST
Where: Dade County, 1.96 mi W of Corry
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.482, -93.766

Several 12 to 14 inch diameter trees were reported down. A portable outbuilding was also reported rolled over on its side.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cedar

When: June 4, 3:30 AM CST
Where: Cedar County, 1.29 mi ENE of Jerico Spgs
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.627, -93.998

Several large limbs were reported down. Power was out for nearly 5 hours and a window A/C Unit was blown into a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dade

When: June 4, 3:35 AM CST to 3:37 AM CST
Where: Dade County, 0.38 mi SSW of Greenfield to 0.88 mi SE of Greenfield
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 37.415, -93.853

Multiple large limbs were reported down and power poles were snapped in town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dade

When: June 4, 3:40 AM CST
Where: Dade County, 0.96 mi SSE of Pennsboro
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.317, -93.845

Several large branches were reported down.

Flash Flood, Phelps

When: June 4, 3:51 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST
Where: Phelps County, 2.64 mi NW of Sugartree to 1.63 mi NNW of Sugartree
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.000, -92.010

Bacon Road was flooded and impassable along Duncan and Mungy Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: June 4, 3:54 AM CST to 4:00 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 0.17 mi WNW of Mt Vernon to 1.38 mi E of Mt Vernon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.101, -93.832

Multiple trees, power lines and poles were reported down in town. Numerous power outages were reported as well. Damage was reported to several buildings in town and on the square downtown.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greene

When: June 4, 4:04 AM CST to 4:20 AM CST
Where: Greene County, 0.88 mi SW of (Sgf)springfield Arp to 1.15 mi S of Galloway
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $350,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.240, -93.390

A line of thunderstorms moved from northwest to southeast across Greene County producing straight line winds between 60 and 80 mph. The ASOS at the Springfield/Branson National Airport recorded a 61 mph gust as the storms moved through. Numerous reports were received of large trees uprooted or snapped, large limbs down, power poles and line from the airport, south to Battlefield and southeast to Galloway. Several trees and limbs fell on homes causing minor to moderate roof or siding damage as the storms moved southeast. Roofs were peeled of the north facing sides of homes at Farm Road 135 and Hanover Street, in south Christy Avenue and on West Morning Side Place. A store front on Commercial Street also reported damage and a large sign was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: June 4, 4:10 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 1.3 mi ESE of Mt Vernon
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.090, -93.810

The Mesonet station MO004 on I-44 at the 47 mile marker measured a 68 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: June 4, 4:14 AM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 2.85 mi ESE of Bonham
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.920, -93.630

Multiple large tree were reported blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind, Christian

When: June 4, 4:19 AM CST to 4:45 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.04 mi SW of Ozark Airpark Arpt to 1.79 mi ESE of Selmore
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.041, -93.245

A line of thunderstorms move to the southeast across portions of Christian County uprooting or snapping numerous large trees, downing large branches, and causing minor shingle damage. Locations from northwest of Ozark, Highlandville, Christian Center and Selmore reported trees down or damaged. Near Highlandville, a large oak fell on a boat and mobile home causing moderate to major damage and another tree caused minor roof damage to a home. Winds lasted in excess of 20 minutes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Webster

When: June 4, 4:40 AM CST
Where: Webster County, 0.55 mi E of Rogersville
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.120, -93.060

The home weather station of a trained spotter recorded a wind gust of 71 mph. Sustained winds of 56 mph occurred for nearly a minute. Multiple large tree limbs were downed and shingles were blown off the north side of a home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: June 4, 4:42 AM CST
Where: Douglas County, 1.25 mi NE of Dogwood
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.040, -92.831

Wind gusts were estimated at 60 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stone

When: June 4, 4:45 AM CST
Where: Stone County, 2.82 mi SSW of Notch
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.630, -93.360

Large branches and some trees were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Stone

When: June 4, 4:50 AM CST
Where: Stone County, 0.89 mi SW of Lampe
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.560, -93.440

Several power lines and poles were reported down causing multiple power outages.

Thunderstorm Wind, Taney

When: June 4, 5:00 AM CST
Where: Taney County, 1.11 mi W of Branson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.650, -93.240

A large tree was uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: June 4, 5:21 AM CST
Where: Douglas County, 1.19 mi NNW of Rippee
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.887, -92.475

A large tree was reported down on part of Highway 14 just west of Bryant Creek.

Heavy Rain, Benton

When: June 4, 5:30 AM CST
Where: Benton County, 0.88 mi SW of Warsaw
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 38.240, -93.390

Mesonet Station WRSM7 recorded 2.12 inches at the Osage River.

Heavy Rain, Hickory

When: June 4, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Hickory County, 0.69 mi S of Galmay
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.890, -93.380

The CoCoRAHS Station Mo-Hc-16 recorded 2.33 inches.

Heavy Rain, Wright

When: June 4, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Wright County, 0.88 mi SE of Hartville
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.240, -92.510

The CoCoRAHS Station MO-FSA-229 reported 2.40 inches of rainfall.

Heavy Rain, Miller

When: June 4, 7:00 AM CST
Where: Miller County, 3.53 mi WNW of Eldon Arpt
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 38.390, -92.630

The CoCoRAHS Station MO-ML-1 reported 2.02 inches of rainfall.

Flash Flood, Wright

When: June 4, 7:07 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where: Wright County, 2.07 mi N of Jerktail to 1.64 mi NNE of Jerktail
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.450, -92.450

State Highway Z was closed due to flooding at Elk Creek.

Flash Flood, Laclede

When: June 4, 7:24 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where: Laclede County, 0.88 mi SE of Agnes to 0.7 mi SSE of Agnes
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.510, -92.490

State Highway O was closed and impassable at Cobb Creek.

Flash Flood, Laclede

When: June 4, 7:25 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where: Laclede County, 3.56 mi ENE of Russ to 3.32 mi ENE of Russ
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.600, -92.540

State Highway B was closed due to flooding at Cobb Creek.

Heavy Rain, Laclede

When: June 4, 7:30 AM CST
Where: Laclede County, Lebanon Jones Fld Ar
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.650, -92.650

Mesonet station LBBM7 reported 2.35 inches of rainfall.

Heavy Rain, Benton

When: June 4, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Benton County, 2.14 mi NNE of Warsaw
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 38.280, -93.370

The Mesonet station reported 2.08 inches of rainfall.

Heavy Rain, Wright

When: June 4, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Wright County, Rayborn
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.300, -92.370

The CoCoRAHS station MO-WT-14 reported 2.46 inches of rainfall.

Flash Flood, Benton

When: June 4, 8:00 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 2.76 mi N of Zora to 2.49 mi N of Zora
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 38.320, -93.100

Big Buffalo Creek had two feet of flowing water over State Highway WW.

Flash Flood, Wright

When: June 4, 8:31 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where: Wright County, 1.79 mi WNW of Rayborn to 1.66 mi WNW of Rayborn
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.310, -92.400

State Highway E was closed due to flooding at the Gasconade River.

Flash Flood, Laclede

When: June 4, 8:35 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where: Laclede County, Pease to 0.25 mi WSW of Pease
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.500, -92.630

State Highway J was closed due to flooding at the Osage Fork of the Gasconade River and Parks Creek.

Heavy Rain, Pulaski

When: June 4, 9:11 AM CST
Where: Pulaski County, 0.69 mi S of Dixon
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.990, -92.100

The Mesonet station DW2956 reported 2.14 inches of rainfall.

Heavy Rain, Laclede

When: June 4, 9:12 AM CST
Where: Laclede County, 0.55 mi E of Lebanon
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.680, -92.660

The Mesonet station FW2552 reported 2.71 inches or rainfall.

Thunderstorm Wind, Benton

When: June 5, 4:30 AM CST
Where: Benton County, 3.02 mi SSE of Crockerville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.409, -93.082

Several large trees were reported down and significant damage occurred to a pole barn near Highway 52 and Highway W.

Thunderstorm Wind, Morgan

When: June 5, 4:37 AM CST
Where: Morgan County, 6.44 mi SW of Stover
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.381, -93.060

Multiple large branches were reported down with minor damage to a barn as well.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Missouri in 2020 Every state in 2020 This day in weather history Warnings in Missouri, June 2020

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 903182, 903272, 903274, 903524, 903532, 903536, 903538, 903539, 903540, 903543, 903544, 903545, 903279, 903546, 903568, 903570, 903525, 903569, 903534, 903535, 903530, 903531, 903526, 903527, 903260, 903261, 903263, 903264, 903283, 903289, 903290, 903265, 903266, 903268, 903291, 903294, 903299, 903269, 903271, 903528, and more.