Monday, April 27, 2026
POSSIBILITY OF SEVERE WEATHER TODAY IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Weather officials are closely watching possibilities of severe weather today in Southeast Missouri.
KWOC News spoke with Keith Cooley, Lead Forecaster from the National Weather Service in Paducah, about what kind of severe weather we may see.
“Ingredients are coming together for numerous severe thunderstorms Monday evening and night with all hazards possible including large hail (up to 2” in diameter), damaging winds (60-70 mph) and tornadoes.
A few strong tornadoes will also be possible.
Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop over south and central Missouri and quickly become severe Monday afternoon. These thunderstorms will transition to a dangerous line of severe thunderstorms as it spreads eastward Monday evening. A risk level 3 of 5 has been set for Southeast Missouri.
A strong storm or two may develop earlier in the day Monday; however, the main threat times are expected between roughly 7 and 10 pm over Southeast Missouri.
An additional round of severe thunderstorms are possible again Tuesday afternoon. Remember to stay weather-aware and monitor weather apps, NOAA Weather Radio, or local news broadcasts for timely alerts. Also, be sure to identify sturdy shelter options in advance and know where to go if a warning is issued.
Stay tuned to local media and the National Weather Service office in Paducah for the latest information on this severe weather situation.”
HANNAH HARPER TO FIND OUT IF SHE MADE AMERICAN IDOL TOP 5 TONIGHT
Southeast Missouri native Hannah Harper will try to continue her journey to become American Idol tonight.
During Disney Week last week, Harper chose to sing “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog.
At the end of the show, Harper was announced to be safe and advanced to tonight’s Top 7 performances, featuring chart topping hits from Taylor Swift.
Two more contestants will be eliminated during tonight’s show, which will begin at 7 pm on ABC.
STORM SPOTTER ELITE TRAINING COURSE IN POPLAR BLUFF SCHEDULED FOR MAY 4TH
Storm spotters will have the chance to learn advanced techniques at a class scheduled for next week in Poplar Bluff.
The National Weather Service will be hosting a Skywarn Storm Spotter Training Elite Spotter Course on Monday, May 4th.
The event will begin at 6 pm at Three Rivers College.
The class is for those who have already taken the basic spotter course and will last for approximately four hours.
The course was originally scheduled for today, but was moved due to the anticipated weather.
Registration is required. For more information, visit weather.gov/pah/spottertraining.
MISSOURI HUNTERS CAN APPLY FOR ELK AND BEAR PERMITS BEGINNING IN MAY
Missouri hunters will be able to apply for bull elk and bear permits in May.
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying landowners that own property in Carter, Reynolds, or Shannon counties and the remaining permits being for qualifying Missouri residents.
MDC has designated the elk archery portion to run from October 17th through October 25th and the elk firearms portion to run from December 12th through December 20th.
Missouri has an estimated 325 free-ranging elk under MDC’s elk restoration and management program. Hunters harvested three bull elk during the 2025 season.
The MDC will also offer 2000 permits for the taking of a maximum of 60 black bears during the 2026 Missouri black-bear hunting season this fall, from October 17th through October 30th.
Missouri hunters harvested nine black bears during the 2025 season with two being females and seven being males.
There are multiple ways to apply for each permit including by calling 1-800-392-4115 or by going online to mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.
MENARDS HOSTING PET DRIVE TO BENEFIT LOCAL HUMANE ASSOCIATION
A Poplar Bluff area business is accepting donations to be given to a local humane association.
The Poplar Bluff Menards is serving as a drop off location for pet supply donations through May 31st. Supplies to be donated include, food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers, mats and more.
You can drop off donations in the box by the Menards exit door.
ROAD WORK SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEK NEAR FISK
Outer Road 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction this week as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
The section of roadway being reduced is located from County Road 697A to County Road 697B near Fisk.
Weather permitting, work will take place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Thursday.