The Ozarks experienced a bowing line segment of particularly large scale and strength this morning. Such a storm starts as a squall line and then under the right conditions will "bow" forward, creating a comma head at its northern end.
We actually had smaller bowing segments which formed a larger one this morning. The high wind warning was issued for winds on the back side of the "comma" which were actually stronger than the leading thunderstorms!
Tornadoes are often found near the comma head and back along the tail of the comma in smaller bowing segments. We know of one tornado in Republic this morning, confirmed in Laclede and possible in Texas and Howell counties as well.
We will be sifting through this information all day and have reports during our midday news at 11 am and of course our later shows!
FYI: a derecho is a long-lasting bowing segment which started here and is going to keep heading east all aftenoon. More information here. Ours was a progressive derecho.
