Prediction: Overnight thunderstorms, possible tornado

The National Weather Service is asking Southeast Missourians to go to bed prepared tonight. Forecasters expect big storms to roll through, peaking around 3 a.m.

"We're talking very strong winds and potential for tornadoes," said Dan Spaeth, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Paducah, Ky., office.

Spaeth said today's early alert is important because the storms will come through "when most people are going to be asleep."

He suggested getting prepared before bedtime with a weather radio or "some way of being awakened if they need to take cover. That's a dangerous time of day to have high-end severe weather," he said.

He said a formal watch is issued six hours before severe weather and a warning is given when "severe weather is imminent."

The strong winds, which he said could reach 60 miles an hour, suggest that people "may be waking up to a mess in the morning."

The drought has weakened trees, both in the root base and some limbs. "They are not likely to stand up to strong winds," he said.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127