Severe thunderstorm warning extended; tornado watch continues

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Scott County has been extended to 6:15 p.m. The following Southeastern Missouri counties: Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Perry, Stoddard, Butler, and New Madrid were among those being affected by a line of severe thunderstorms sweeping through the area. In Illinois, the extreme northwestern portion of Union County is included in the warning.

Already AmerenUE's website indicates that more than 2,000 are without power, most in Stoddard County, where 1,132 households are reported in the dark. More than 700 are without power in Scott County and lights are out for more than 200 in Cape Girardeau County.

The line of thunderstorms is capable of producing damaging winds, exceeding 60 miles an hour.  The weather pattern is moving northeast at 65 miles an hour.

A National Weather Service statement said a wind advisory is in effect until midnight. This means constant windspeeds of 25 to 39 miles an hour with gusts from 40 to 57 miles an hour. Such wind makes driving difficult and can damage trees and power lines.

A tornado watch remains in effect for the warned area. If a tornado is spotted, act quickly and move to a place of safety in a sturdy structure, such as a basement or small interior room.

This is a dangerous storm thunderstorm. Seek shelter indoors. Stay tuned to weather radio or www.semissourian.com for the latest severe weather information.

The National Weather Service issued a high-wind advisory until 9 p.m. today. Strong winds will range from 20 to 35 miles an hour, with gusts of 45 or greater.

The first of three 50-passenger Embraer commercial air carriers grounded at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport because of high winds has taken off after refueling, according to Cape Aviation worker Jamie Freeman. She said the second plane was in the process of taxiing at 5:20 p.m., but she was not sure what would happen with the third plane.

Airport manager Bruce Loy said flight diversions are good for the airport's cash register, through fuel purchases. He said he expected the planes would take off shortly, "unless something goes awry and they get into the weather."

An ambulance is on standby at the airport, according to Capt. Jeff Crites of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. He said that was a standard practice when commercial flights were diverted to the airport.

For more on this story, revisit www.semissourian.com or see Sunday's paper.