On the morning of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms swept across northeast Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas, and southwest Missouri. The storms produced large hail, damaging straight-line winds, multiple tornadoes, and even a few microbursts. The severe weather struck during the morning commute, catching many communities off guard as schools and businesses were already open. In southwest Missouri, the city of Springfield was among the hardest hit. A measured 90 mph wind gust was recorded at the Springfield–Branson National Airport, while a microburst over parts of the city caused widespread tree and utility damage, knocking out power to more than 50,000 customers. Farther west, in Lawrence County, Missouri, at least three tornado touchdowns were confirmed by the National Weather Service, including EF1 damage near Freistatt and Aurora that tore roofs from buildings and downed numerous trees. In Monett, widespread structural and tree damage occurred, likely from a combination of tornadoes and intense straight-line winds. Newton County also sustained damage, including a weak EF0 tornado confirmed near Stella, Missouri. Across the state line in northwest Arkansas, a confirmed EF1 tornado touched down at Gravette in Benton County, damaging homes and trees along an 11-mile path. In northeast Oklahoma, large hail and several brief tornadoes were reported. Back in Missouri, the city of Joplin was placed under warnings and experienced some damaging winds and hail, though no tornado touchdowns were confirmed.
For more information, visit: <a href=”https://www.weather.gov/sgf/April29_2025_SevereThunderstorms” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>April 29, 2025 Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes</a> <a href=”https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2025/04/30/storm-severe-weather-aftermath-photos/83362744007/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>USA Today – Severe Weather Aftermath Photos (April 30, 2025)</a> Resources: NWS Springfield, MO / USA Today