March 6th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed Executive Order 26-08 declaring a State of Emergency across the state in preparation for potentially dangerous severe weather expected to move through Missouri.
The order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local governments to quickly provide assistance if needed.
According to Governor Kehoe, forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate the threat of severe storms across Missouri Friday night that could produce damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.
“The National Weather Service has cautioned that the threat of severe storms throughout the state tonight may produce damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes,” Kehoe said. “I urge all Missourians to pay attention to their local weather forecasts, follow official warnings, and have multiple ways to receive alerts – especially overnight.”
Forecasters say widespread thunderstorms are expected to develop across the state, with the highest threat for severe storms across western and north-central Missouri during the evening hours. Storms are expected to weaken as they move east overnight, although how quickly that weakening will occur remains uncertain.
Potential hazards include wind gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour, hail larger than two inches in diameter, and the possibility of strong tornadoes. Officials also warn that localized flash flooding could occur overnight due to heavy rainfall that has already fallen across parts of the state in the past 24 hours.
Kehoe said activating the emergency order is a proactive measure to ensure emergency management teams are ready if conditions worsen.
“This Executive Order is a proactive step to ensure our emergency management teams are fully prepared should these storms warrant immediate action to protect Missourians,” Kehoe said. “The state's emergency operations center will be activating this afternoon to support coordination efforts.”
State officials are urging residents to postpone outdoor activities and avoid traveling when storms begin moving through the area.
Nighttime severe weather is especially dangerous because visibility is reduced and many people may be asleep. Emergency officials recommend having multiple ways to receive weather alerts and identifying a safe shelter location ahead of time.
The safest place to shelter during a tornado is an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows, preferably in a basement.
Officials also warn residents not to take shelter in mobile homes during tornado warnings. Those living in mobile homes should consider arranging to stay with friends or family members or going to a community storm shelter before storms arrive.
Drivers are also reminded never to attempt to travel through floodwaters, even if the water appears shallow.