Tornado Warning Issued for Carter and Ripley Counties in Southeastern Missouri Until 5:45 PM CDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY, has issued a Tornado Warning for southeastern Missouri. The alert was issued at 4:57 PM CDT on March 15, 2026, after radar indicated rotation within a line of severe thunderstorms. This system is capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight-line wind damage.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following regions in southeastern Missouri:

• Carter County
• Ripley County

Specific locations in the path of the storm include:

• Fremont and Handy (around 5:00 PM CDT)
• Van Buren (around 5:10 PM CDT)
• Gatewood (around 5:15 PM CDT)
• Hunter (around 5:25 PM CDT)
• Ellsinore (around 5:30 PM CDT)
• Doniphan (around 5:35 PM CDT)
• Grandin and Briar are also expected to be impacted.

What You Should Do

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows at all costs. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter immediately to protect yourself from flying debris.

Do not wait to see or hear the tornado, as heavy rainfall may hide the funnel. This line of thunderstorms is capable of producing widespread significant wind damage in addition to tornadic activity.

Expected Conditions

• Hazards: Tornado and extensive straight-line wind damage.
• Source: Radar indicated rotation.
• Storm Movement: Moving northeast at 65 mph.
• Impacts: Flying debris will be dangerous to those without shelter. Mobile homes will likely be damaged or destroyed. Expect damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles, as well as significant tree damage. Hail up to 0.75 inches is possible.

Timeline

The Tornado Warning is effective as of 4:57 PM CDT and is currently set to expire at 5:45 PM CDT on March 15, 2026.