Strong Wind — Ripley, Missouri

2025-03-19 · Ripley, Missouri

Wider weather episode

A powerful 100-150kt upper-level jet early on the 19th led to deepening lee-side low pressure at the surface, and winds just off the surface increased to 50-60kts over the middle Mississippi Valley. Strong south southwest winds at the surface developed quickly in the morning and continued well into the evening across all of southeast Missouri. Gusts 45-55 mph were common through the period, and the gusts climbed to severe storm levels with 58 mph observed at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport (KPOF) and the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (KCGI). Blowing dust significantly reduced visibilities in New Madrid County at times, and dust from the Plains was visible on satellite imagery across the region. The strong winds knocked down power lines in northwest Butler County which caused a small brush fire.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1248572. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.