With spring approaching in the Ozarks, meteorologists are urging residents in Barry County and surrounding areas to review severe weather safety plans as the region enters one of its most active storm seasons.

Officials with the National Weather Service office in Springfield say warmer temperatures expected this spring will increase the potential for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding across southwest Missouri, including Barry County.

The reminders coincided with Severe Weather Preparedness Week, observed March 2-6 in Missouri and Kansas. The annual campaign encourages residents to review emergency plans and better understand how weather alerts and warnings work.

Spring outlook

According to the weather service, seasonal outlooks call for slightly above-normal temperatures across the region, while precipitation is expected to fall near typical levels.

While that forecast does not guarantee severe storms, spring historically brings the highest frequency of dangerous weather to southwest Missouri.

Thunderstorms in the region can produce damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. Even storms that are not considered severe can still produce lightning, heavy rain and localized flooding.

Understanding severe weather risk levels

Forecasters categorize severe weather threats using a scale developed by the Storm Prediction Center that ranges from marginal to high risk.

A marginal risk generally means isolated severe storms are possible, often producing wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph or hail up to about one inch in diameter. Slight and enhanced risk levels indicate increasing storm coverage and intensity, with the possibility of tornadoes, damaging winds and larger hail.

Higher categories — moderate or high risk — signal the potential for widespread severe weather, including strong tornadoes or large wind events that can cause extensive damage.

Alerts and warnings

Residents may notice more detailed language in some warnings due to “impact-based warning” tags used by the weather service.

Severe thunderstorm, tornado and flash flood warnings can include three impact levels: base, considerable and catastrophic or destructive.

Warnings labeled catastrophic or destructive can trigger wireless emergency alerts on cell phones within the warned area, notifying residents of particularly dangerous storms. Tornado warnings also activate emergency alerts automatically when issued.

Meteorologists emphasize that alerts are based on geographic “polygons,” meaning phones will only sound if the user is located within the warned area.

Flooding risks in the Ozarks

Flash flooding remains a major concern in southwest Missouri, where heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm creeks, streams and low-water crossings common across rural roads in Barry County.

The weather service monitors rivers and streams using several flood stage levels.

“Action stage” indicates water levels are approaching a point where minor impacts may occur, while minor flooding can affect roads and property near waterways. Moderate or major flooding may require evacuations and can disrupt daily life as structures and infrastructure are affected.

Flash flood warnings are issued when rapidly rising water is imminent or already occurring, often affecting low-lying areas and road crossings that are normally dry.

Outdoor safety

As warmer weather brings more outdoor recreation to the Ozarks, meteorologists also remind residents to remain aware of lightning and sudden storms.

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from a thunderstorm, even when skies overhead appear mostly clear. The weather service recommends heading indoors whenever thunder is heard.

The reminder is particularly relevant for outdoor areas popular with visitors in Barry County, including Roaring River State Park.

Before heading outdoors, residents are encouraged to check forecasts at weather.gov and monitor weather alerts throughout the day.

Reporting severe weather

Residents can also assist meteorologists by reporting severe weather when it occurs.

Reports of hail size, tornado sightings, flooding or wind damage help confirm storm intensity and can assist forecasters in issuing or continuing warnings while storms are ongoing.

Officials recommend including the time, location and photos when possible.

Serving southwest Missouri

The Springfield forecast office provides forecasts and warnings for 34 counties across southern Missouri and three counties in southeastern Kansas.

Meteorologists monitor numerous lakes, rivers and parks throughout the region and provide forecasts for aviation, fire weather, winter weather, severe storms and hydrology.

The office also launches weather balloons twice daily to collect atmospheric data, which helps improve the accuracy of weather models and forecasts used across the country.

Officials say preparation remains the best defense against severe weather.

By understanding alerts, monitoring forecasts and having a plan in place, residents can reduce risk as the Ozarks move into another spring storm season, the Weather Service said.