Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Missouri, May 19 to 20, 2025

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Missouri, May 19 to 20, 2025
Start: 2025-05-19T16:10
End: 2025-05-20T07:58
Location: Missouri

May 19 to 20, 2025 · NWS SGF · 65 events in 19 counties and zones

A strong storm system pushed into the area during the afternoon of May 19, 2025 and persisted into the evening and overnight hours. This system produced 8 tornadoes across the area, along with widespread wind damage and between 1 and 5 inches of rainfall.

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: $1.1 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 65

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.

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 May 19, 1:06 PM CST, 3 hours 4 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Enhanced (3 of 5) to Moderate (4 of 5) Risk today and tonight. Confidence and concern is increasing for multiple rounds of strong to severe storms this afternoon through the overnight hours. Hazards include tornadoes, some potentially strong, tennis ball sized hail, and wind gusts up to 70-80 mph.
A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 PM this evening for areas along and west of Highway 65.
Many areas to see 1 to 3 inches of rain through Tuesday. A Flood Watch is in effect until 7 AM Tuesday. Localized areas could see rain amounts as high as 5-7 inches.
Active pattern is forecast to end after Tuesday, with mostly dry and cooler temperatures late this week.
40-60% rain chances return for Memorial Day Weekend.

Area forecast discussion, May 19, 1:06 PM CST, 3 hours 4 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Springfield MO
206 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Enhanced (3 of 5) to Moderate (4 of 5) Risk today and tonight.
  Confidence and concern is increasing for multiple rounds of
  strong to severe storms this afternoon through the overnight
  hours. Hazards include tornadoes, some potentially strong,
  tennis ball sized hail, and wind gusts up to 70-80 mph.

- A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 PM this evening for areas
 along and west of Highway 65.

- Many areas to see 1 to 3 inches of rain through Tuesday. A
  Flood Watch is in effect until 7 AM Tuesday. Localized areas
  could see rain amounts as high as 5-7 inches.

- Active pattern is forecast to end after Tuesday, with mostly  dry
  and cooler temperatures late this week.

- 40-60% rain chances return for Memorial Day Weekend.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Issued at 205 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

Synoptic analysis shows a large amplified upper level trough over
the Rockies shifting east throughout the day and becoming negatively
tilted as it pivots towards the area. A surface low is currently
located over Kansas, with a dryline extending southward through
OK/TX and a warm front extending eastward located across the
forecast area. As the morning/early afternoon has progressed, the
system has lifted north/northeast, lifting the warm front into the
area.

Since the previous forecast, the Storm Prediction Center has
expanded the Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5) further north and east,
with all modes (potentially significant) possible. Storm set-up will
be pretty tricky, with likely a mixture of storm modes.

As of 1230PM, storms began to develop in eastern/southern OK, which
are expected to spread northeast into southwest MO beginning within
the next hour. Across the region, dewpoints are in the upper 60s/low
70s, showing an ample amount of moisture, with satellite imagery
showing slowly clearing skies across eastern Kansas as the cap
begins to erode. As daytime heating continues and large- scale
ascent begins to overspread the region, additional thunderstorm
development is expected along the dryline, beginning around 2-4PM.
Current guidance shows a highly unstable atmosphere, with MLCAPE >
2500 J/kg and deep layer shear between 40-50kts. With the 0-6kt bulk
shear vectors oriented from the west, supercells are the likely
storm mode towards the beginning of this event, which will allow for
all hazards, including large hail up to tennis balls, damaging wind
gusts between 70-80mph, and tornadoes, some potentially strong. The
tornado threat will increase as the afternoon progresses into the
evening, with the RAP STP showing values of 2-4 west of Hwy 65.
Latest CAM guidance shows clusters of supercells pushing through,
translating east- northeast and becoming widespread through the
evening and overnight.

A Tornado Watch is currently in effect for areas along and west of
Highway 65 until 9PM this evening. We'll continue to monitor how
things progress in order to determine any spatial or temporal
expansions in the future.

The cold front is progged to enter the western CWA later tonight,
pushing eastward overnight before exiting the area Tuesday
afternoon. CAMs show additional thunderstorm development west of I-
49 after midnight translating eastward into the early morning hours
before sunrise. As the nocturnal low level jet increases, 20-25kt 0-
1km shear and 100-200 m2/s2 SRH will allow for the tornado threat to
continue overnight in addition to large hail and damaging winds.

Slight (2 of 5) Risk for Severe Thunderstorms Tuesday:

Dissipating showers and thunderstorms may linger into the morning
hours after sunrise on Tuesday ahead of the sweeping cold front,
primarily east of Highway 65. We could see some destabilization
occur during the early afternoon, leading to 20-40% probability of
shower/thunderstorm redevelopment in the eastern Ozarks, however
latest guidance seems less keen on the western extent of this
occurrence, so confidence in any afternoon activity is fairly low.
If this can occur, 30-40kt deep layer shear will still be supportive
of supercells. We'll need to see if this would be more surface based
or elevated in nature, which would determine the primary hazards. If
they're more surface based, then tornadoes would be possible,
however more elevated storms would lead to large hail up to golf
balls as the primary hazard.

Flood Watch In Effect from until 7AM Tuesday:

With several rounds of showers/thunderstorms pushing through the
area today into tomorrow, a CWA-wide Flood Watch is in effect
through 7AM Tuesday. Over the past couple days, areas across east KS
and west-central MO have already seen 0.5-2.0 inches of rainfall,
with localized areas of 2-4 inches. HREF LPMM shows two primary
corridors for the heavy rainfall potential, with one over west-
central MO, and another across portions of the eastern Ozarks. Both
of these locations could see between 2-3 inches of additional
rainfall, with the LPMM showing the potential for pockets of up to 4-
6 inches. The WPC Excessive Rainfall Outlook highlights portions of
south-central MO in a Moderate risk (Level 3 of 4) to account for
this potential.

&&

.LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Issued at 205 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

Once this system pushes through, cooler and drier weather will enter
the region, with afternoon highs in the upper 60s to mid 70s
Wednesday, and the mid to upper 60s Thursday and Friday. Towards the
end of the forecast period, a gradual warming trend is expected,
with highs warming into the 70s through the weekend.

For Memorial Day weekend, 40-60% rain chances return as moisture
builds beneath northwesterly flow, however uncertainty remains high.
We'll continue monitoring how things progress as we get closer to
this timeframe.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 1223 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected during
the majority of the TAF period, which will have the potential
to be severe. All modes of severe weather will be possible, with
large hail up to tennis balls, tornadoes, wind gusts up to
60-70mph, lightning, and heavy downpours. Storm development
could be as early as 20Z, however the better chances will be
after 22Z, persisting into the overnight hours. MVFR conditions
will be likely throughout the period. Can't completely rule out
IFR or lower ceilings/visibilities, especially with the stronger
storms, however confidence was too low to include in the TAFs.

&&

.SGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KS...Flood Watch through Tuesday morning for KSZ073-097-101.
MO...Flood Watch through Tuesday morning for MOZ055>058-066>071-
     077>083-088>098-101>106.

&&

SHORT TERM...Melto
LONG TERM...Melto
AVIATION...Melto

Hazardous weather outlook, May 19, 1:24 PM CST, 2 hours 46 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Springfield MO
224 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-201930-
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-
224 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

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

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

  Moderate tornado risk.
  Moderate hail risk.
  Moderate thunderstorm wind damage risk.
  Significant lightning risk.
  Significant excessive rainfall risk
  Limited non thunderstorm wind risk.

DISCUSSION...

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected this afternoon into
tonight with a severe risk present with any storm that develops.
All hazards will be possible, including hail up to the size of
tennis balls, damaging winds up to 70 to 80 mph, and tornadoes,
some potentially strong. A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 PM
this evening for areas along and west of Highway 65.

Along with the severe risk, a localized flooding threat is
present for any areas that see multiple heavy thunderstorms.
Localized rainfall amounts up to 5 to 7 inches are possible. A
Flood Watch is in effect until 7 AM Tuesday to cover this threat.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Additional showers and thunderstorms are possible Tuesday (20-40%
chance). Some storms may become strong to severe generally east
of Highway 63 during the afternoon hours. Large hail up to golf
balls, damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, and a low chance for a
tornado will be the main hazards.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

 Spotter activation may be needed today and tonight for the entire
area.

&&

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

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

Melto

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 19, 2:33 PM CST, 1 hour 37 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
333 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0248 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 SE Sherman            37.24N 95.03W
05/19/2025                   Cherokee           KS   Fire Dept/Rescue

            Multiple large trees down over NW Belleview
            Rd and NW 110th in Cherokee County. Time
            based on radar estimate.

&&

TEO

Local storm report, May 19, 2:40 PM CST, 1 hour 30 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
340 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0320 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 ENE Uniontown         37.86N 94.94W
05/19/2025                   Bourbon            KS   Utility Company

            Power outages reported by heartland rural
            electric coop.

&&

TEO

Local storm report, May 19, 2:43 PM CST, 1 hour 27 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
343 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0300 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Walnut                  37.60N 95.08W
05/19/2025                   Crawford           KS   Emergency Mngr

            Reports of multiple large trees down in
            Crawford County, near McCune and Walnut.
            Time based on radar.

&&

TEO

Local storm report, May 19, 2:44 PM CST, 1 hour 26 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
344 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0250 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Mccune                  37.35N 95.02W
05/19/2025                   Crawford           KS   Emergency Mngr

            Reports of multiple large trees down in
            Crawford County, near McCune and Walnut.
            Time based on radar.

&&

TEO

Local storm report, May 19, 2:57 PM CST, 1 hour 13 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
357 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0250 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Pittsburg               37.41N 94.70W
05/19/2025                   Crawford           KS   Utility Company

            power outages reported in Crawford county
            county by Heartland Rural Electric Coop.

&&

TEO

Local storm report, May 19, 3:49 PM CST, 21 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
449 PM CDT Mon May 19 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0440 PM     Hail             1 ENE Girard            37.51N 94.82W
05/19/2025  M1.00 Inch       Crawford           KS   Fire Dept/Rescue

            Just east of Girard. Tim.

&&

TEO

The radar

The Pleasant Hill radar (KEAX), 106 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:08 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

36 thunderstorm wind, 14 heavy rain, 8 tornado, 3 flash flood, 2 hail, 2 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Vernon

When: May 19, 4:10 PM CST
Where: Vernon County, 1.78 mi WNW of Nevada Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.860, -94.350

Report of quarter size hail.

Hail, Vernon

When: May 19, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Vernon County, Dederick
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.850, -94.130

Report of quarter size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind, McDonald

When: May 19, 4:41 PM CST
Where: McDonald County, 2.15 mi NNE of Coy
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.700, -94.520

Emergency Management measured a 69 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: May 19, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 0.55 mi W of Webb City
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.150, -94.480

Report of large trees down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: May 19, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 0.55 mi E of Joplin
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.080, -94.510

Report of roof damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Newton

When: May 19, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Newton County, Diamond
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.000, -94.320

Report of tree damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: May 19, 5:05 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 1.29 mi ESE of Osceola
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.040, -93.680

A garage had significant damage due to a large tree that fell on it.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: May 19, 5:07 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, Carterville
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $13,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.150, -94.450

Report of a roof torn off of a garage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: May 19, 5:10 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, Sarcoxie
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.070, -94.120

Report of a large tree down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: May 19, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 0.69 mi N of (Jln)joplin Muni Arp
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 37.160, -94.500

The Joplin airport ASOS measured a 62 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: May 19, 5:18 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 1.49 mi NNE of Bowers Mill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.090, -94.040

Report of healthy, 8-10 inch diameter maple tree limbs down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Barton

When: May 19, 5:25 PM CST
Where: Barton County, 2.34 mi NNW of Lamar
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $12,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.530, -94.300

A tractor trailer was overturned southbound on Interstate 49, blocking one lane.

Flash Flood, Vernon

When: May 19, 5:36 PM CST to 11:15 PM CST
Where: Vernon County, 1.09 mi W of Metz to 1.72 mi WSW of Metz
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.000, -94.470

Emergency Management reported water over the roadway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cedar

When: May 19, 5:40 PM CST
Where: Cedar County, 3.06 mi WNW of Filley
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.790, -94.020

Report of trees and power lines down south of El Dorado.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: May 19, 5:42 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 0.55 mi W of Marionville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 37.000, -93.660

A tree was reported to be down in the middle of Highway ZZ in Marionville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cedar

When: May 19, 5:48 PM CST
Where: Cedar County, 3.62 mi NNE of Filley
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.820, -93.950

Route U was closed due to debris on the roadway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greene

When: May 19, 5:55 PM CST
Where: Greene County, 0.69 mi S of Brookline
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.160, -93.430

Report of branches down.

Tornado, St. Clair

When: May 19, 5:55 PM CST to 6:04 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 2.14 mi SSW of Lowry City to 1.63 mi E of Chloe
Rating: EF1
Path length: 4.57 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.120, -93.740

A NWS storm survey determined that a tornado touched down south-southwest of Lowry City, continued through the city, and then caused the worst damage along NE 1000 Rd northeast of Lowry City, ending north of the intersection of NE 1000 Rd and NE 401 Rd. In addition to a roof torn off a mobile home, this tornado destroyed several barns and outbuildings, uprooted trees and downed power lines. Maximum wind speeds of 110 mph were determined.

Flash Flood, Vernon

When: May 19, 5:56 PM CST to 10:30 PM CST
Where: Vernon County, 1.68 mi E of Nevada to 0.84 mi NW of Nevada Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.826, -94.340

Reports of flooding in Nevada.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greene

When: May 19, 5:57 PM CST
Where: Greene County, 0.69 mi S of Sacville
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.390, -93.430

Report of trees blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greene

When: May 19, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Greene County, 2.76 mi S of Nichols
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.180, -93.370

Report of numerous tree limbs down.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: May 19, 6:00 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 1.77 mi WSW of Damascus
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 38.110, -93.710

A roof of a barn was blown off and was blocking southbound 13 in Lowry City. Reports of significant damage were relayed.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Clair

When: May 19, 6:10 PM CST
Where: St. Clair County, 3.88 mi NW of Iconium
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 38.160, -93.600

Multiple trees were down along Highway HH blocking roadways in numerous places.

Tornado, Benton

When: May 19, 6:24 PM CST to 6:27 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 1.77 mi WSW of Racket to 1.29 mi WNW of Racket
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.3 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Property damage: $115,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.290, -93.510

A NWS survey team determined that an EF-1 tornado pushed a mobile home off its block, damaged outbuildings and snapped trees along a track west of Racket just east of the Henry Benton County line. Maximum wind speeds were determined to be 105 mph.

Tornado, Benton

When: May 19, 6:28 PM CST to 6:34 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 2.76 mi N of Racket to 4.68 mi SSE of Santiago
Rating: EF1
Path length: 4.32 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Property damage: $148,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.340, -93.480

A NWS storm survey confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with maximum winds of 100 mph caused widespread uprooted and snapped trees along with power lines downed. Several barns suffered varying degrees of damage along with the roof of one home.

Thunderstorm Wind, Benton

When: May 19, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 0.88 mi SW of Lincoln
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 38.390, -93.340

Reports of tree damage in Lincoln on Highway 65. Electricity to the entire town was knocked out. Altogether, over 4000 homes and businesses lost power in Benton County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Benton

When: May 19, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 3.5 mi N of Warsaw
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.300, -93.390

Trees were down near the Thibaut boat ramp area.

Flood, McDonald

When: May 19, 6:33 PM CST
Where: McDonald County, 0.45 mi N of Mc Natt to 1.08 mi W of Mc Natt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.736, -94.319

Report of the creek overflowing.

Tornado, Benton

When: May 19, 6:35 PM CST to 6:41 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 3.51 mi SE of Santiago to 3 mi NW of Lincoln
Rating: EF1
Path length: 4.4 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Property damage: $160,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.390, -93.410

A NWS storm survey confirmed an EF-1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 100 mph had uprooted and snapped numerous trees. As the tornado curled near the end of its lifespan it damaged three barns and downed several power poles.

Thunderstorm Wind, Benton

When: May 19, 6:42 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 2.14 mi SSW of Ionia
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.450, -93.340

Report of uprooted trees and damage to outbuildings.

Heavy Rain, Vernon

When: May 19, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Vernon County, 1.49 mi SSE of Arthur
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.000, -94.360

A Co-Op observer reported 2.77 inches of rainfall.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dallas

When: May 19, 6:50 PM CST
Where: Dallas County, 3.82 mi NNE of Plad
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.780, -92.940

Report of downed branches.

Thunderstorm Wind, Benton

When: May 19, 6:50 PM CST
Where: Benton County, 1.27 mi S of Racket
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 38.282, -93.478

Trees were blocking the road, leading to its closure.

Flood, Vernon

When: May 19, 6:53 PM CST
Where: Vernon County, 2.34 mi NNW of Nevada Arpt to 1.83 mi NNW of Nevada Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.880, -94.340

Report of a vehicle submerged in water.

Thunderstorm Wind, Morgan

When: May 19, 7:06 PM CST
Where: Morgan County, 0.54 mi W of Versailles
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $130,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.430, -92.840

Multiple trees and power lines were reported to be down. Additionally, a lightning strike caused a house fire, and a nearby machine shop suffered heavy damage.

Heavy Rain, Vernon

When: May 19, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Vernon County, 1.09 mi E of Nevada
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.830, -94.350

Report of 4.82 inches of rainfall that occurred in the last 6 hours.

Thunderstorm Wind, Christian

When: May 19, 7:25 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.3 mi WSW of Riverdale
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 36.990, -93.300

A tree ten inches in diameter was reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Christian

When: May 19, 7:33 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.77 mi NE of Ozark
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 37.040, -93.200

Report of a large tree across the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Christian

When: May 19, 7:42 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.8 mi ENE of Chadwick
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 36.940, -93.040

Report of a tree down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: May 19, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, Ava
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.950, -92.650

Report of a tree down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: May 19, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, Roy
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.880, -92.800

Report of a tree on the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: May 19, 8:06 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, Ava
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.950, -92.650

Report of a tree down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: May 19, 8:20 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, 1.1 mi W of Coldspring
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.970, -92.450

A tree was down on Highway C north of Skyline.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: May 19, 8:36 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, 5.56 mi N of Twin Bridges
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 36.900, -92.140

A tree was down across the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Texas

When: May 19, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Texas County, Eunice
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.250, -91.780

Two trees and multiple power poles were down.

Tornado, Dent

When: May 19, 9:18 PM CST to 9:26 PM CST
Where: Dent County, 1.49 mi SSE of New Hope to 2.18 mi E of Doss
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.39 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.530, -91.560

A NWS storm survey determined that a short lived EF-1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 90 mph damaged a barn and uprooted trees along and east of Highway Z to the west of Custer.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dent

When: May 19, 9:20 PM CST
Where: Dent County, 2.64 mi NW of Doss
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.610, -91.530

Trees and branches were down on CR5080 and Highway 19 south of Salem.

Tornado, Dent

When: May 19, 9:20 PM CST to 9:21 PM CST
Where: Dent County, 2.19 mi W of Gano to 1.58 mi WNW of Gano
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.97 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.720, -91.610

A NWS storm survey confirmed an EF-0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 85 mph damaged or destroyed outbuildings, downed powerlines, and uprooted trees.

Flash Flood, Christian

When: May 19, 9:21 PM CST to May 20, 1:15 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 0.55 mi E of Terrell to 0.59 mi W of Terrell
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 37.080, -93.410

Reports of two feet of water over the roadway making it impassable.

Tornado, Dent

When: May 19, 9:21 PM CST to 9:25 PM CST
Where: Dent County, 2.76 mi S of Salem to 3.42 mi E of Salem
Rating: EF0
Path length: 4.26 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $55,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.610, -91.550

A NWS storm survey determined that an EF-0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 80 mph developed just south of Salem off of State Highway Z and traveled northeast, ending east of Salem near County Road 4185. Numerous trees were uprooted and barns were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Phelps

When: May 19, 9:24 PM CST
Where: Phelps County, 3.87 mi ENE of Zion Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.960, -91.570

A tree was down on Highway 8.

Tornado, Dent

When: May 19, 9:28 PM CST to 9:30 PM CST
Where: Dent County, 3.01 mi NW of Max to 2.65 mi WNW of Stone Hill
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.93 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.603, -91.416

A NWS storm survey determined that a small EF-0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 80 mph developed southwest of Highway EE and traveled northeast towards the Meramec River. Trees were snapped and uprooted in the valley and a barn was damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dent

When: May 19, 9:35 PM CST
Where: Dent County, 3.45 mi N of Stone Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.650, -91.350

Report of a tree down approximately ten miles east of Salem on Highway 32.

Heavy Rain, Vernon

When: May 20, 5:30 AM CST
Where: Vernon County, 0.69 mi N of Nevada
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 37.840, -94.370

A Co-op observer measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 4.70 inches.

Heavy Rain, Vernon

When: May 20, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Vernon County, 0.88 mi NE of Nevada
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.840, -94.360

CoCoRaHS station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 4.84 inches.

Heavy Rain, Greene

When: May 20, 6:00 AM CST
Where: Greene County, 1.3 mi WNW of Wildwood Estates
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 37.130, -93.270

CoCoRaHS station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.14 inches.

Heavy Rain, Stone

When: May 20, 7:00 AM CST
Where: Stone County, 0.88 mi SW of Jamesville
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 36.960, -93.380

CoCoRaHS station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.07 inches.

Heavy Rain, McDonald

When: May 20, 7:30 AM CST
Where: McDonald County, 4.32 mi SW of Coy
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 36.630, -94.590

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 4.49 inches.

Heavy Rain, Christian

When: May 20, 7:40 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.49 mi NNE of Linden
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.070, -93.120

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.34 inches.

Heavy Rain, Christian

When: May 20, 7:45 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.07 mi N of Mc Cracken
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.050, -93.170

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.95 inches.

Heavy Rain, McDonald

When: May 20, 7:45 AM CST
Where: McDonald County, 3.4 mi WNW of Caverna
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 36.510, -94.340

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.33 inches.

Heavy Rain, Webster

When: May 20, 7:45 AM CST
Where: Webster County, 0.69 mi S of Marshfield
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.320, -92.920

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.30 inches.

Heavy Rain, Christian

When: May 20, 7:45 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.1 mi W of Cassidy
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.070, -93.270

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.23 inches.

Heavy Rain, Greene

When: May 20, 7:49 AM CST
Where: Greene County, 0.88 mi SE of Wildwood Estates
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.110, -93.240

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.28 inches.

Heavy Rain, Texas

When: May 20, 7:58 AM CST
Where: Texas County, 1.76 mi NE of Evening Shade
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.600, -92.130

A Mesonet station measured a 24 hour rainfall total of 3.01 inches.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.
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.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
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 2025 Every state in 2025 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Missouri, 2025 Warnings in Missouri, May 2025

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: 1260413, 1260414, 1260418, 1260419, 1260421, 1260422, 1260424, 1260425, 1260426, 1260427, 1260428, 1260429, 1261030, 1260441, 1260442, 1260444, 1260449, 1261084, 1261031, 1260450, 1260452, 1261072, 1261074, 1261085, 1261086, 1261076, 1261077, 1261034, 1261087, 1261079, 1261037, 1260453, 1261078, 1261035, 1260455, 1261038, 1260459, 1260460, 1260461, 1260462, and more.