January 8, 2008: Severe Weather Today/This Afternoon

  What a night last night was.  A historic tornado event for Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.  A huge outbreak for January.  Probably one of the largest and most intense events for Wisconsin, during the month of January, in recorded history (which goes back to 1844).  Numerous towns were hit by tornadoes.  A number of injuries and fatalities being reported.  A crazy night indeed.

  Springfield, Missouri had tornado warnings for their city and in/around their county for eight hours.  Scary night for Southwest, Missouri.

  Here is an incredible image from last night   Just one of many hook echoes across Southwest Missouri.  That storm moved over the City of Springfield.

  Severe weather will be likely across our region later today as the cold front approaches.  Instability is in question but it should be sufficient for thunderstorms to form after 11 a.m.  Storms should move out by evening.

  Stay tuned to local media and NOAA Weather Radio.