Missouri Could See Hurricane-Strength Straight Line Winds Friday

I'm always afraid of building up expectations too much when it comes to weather and specifically storms. But, I feel like it's very important that everyone in the path of the potentially historic storms this Friday, which includes all of Missouri, should know that many places could see hurricane-strength straight line winds.

Let's begin with the latest update from NOAA's Storm Prediction Center which now has nearly all of Missouri in the enhanced chance for severe storms on Friday, March 14.

While tornadoes are possible in Missouri, straight line winds are the real threat

Today, I saw internet weather personality Ryan Hall mention that he's seeing models project horrific straight line wind potential in a line of storms that will trek across Missouri Friday evening.

He said that he would not be surprised if Missouri sees a line of straight line winds in excess of 70 to 80 mph which would equal category 1 hurricane strength.

It is entirely possible that the Midwest will see a low pressure system that will set records not seen in more than 70 years. It's all but certain that Friday will see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and straight line winds. The only question now is where, when and how bad.

Make sure you are weather-aware on Friday, March 14. Know that National Weather Service warnings could include some dire details that could be life-threatening. No one will be happier if somehow none of this happens. I'd rather share the warnings now and hope I'm wrong instead of letting anyone be caught by surprise by what could be devastating weather for Missouri this Friday.