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SEL2 URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 262 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 1155 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025 The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a * Tornado Watch for portions of Northern Arkansas Southwestern Illinois Central and Eastern Missouri Far Eastern Oklahoma * Effective this Friday morning and evening from 1155 AM until 700 PM CDT. * Primary threats include... A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible Widespread large hail and scattered very large hail events to 4 inches in diameter likely Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely SUMMARY...The airmass across the region continues to destabilize amid strong low-level moisture advection and daytime heating. Robust thunderstorm development is anticipated over the next few hours as an approaching cold front interacts with this strong buoyant airmass. Strong vertical shear is also in place, supporting supercells as the primary storm mode. All severe hazards are possible with these supercells, including very large hail up to 4" in diameter and strong tornadoes. The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles east and west of a line from 70 miles south of Harrison AR to 35 miles north northwest of Saint Louis MO. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2). PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... REMEMBER...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. && OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 260...WW 261... AVIATION...Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 4 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24040. ...Mosier