Severe thunderstorms swept through Springfield, Missouri, yesterday, unleashing baseball- to softball-sized hail that inflicted extensive damage across the city.

The storms arrived in two rounds around 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., prompting severe thunderstorm warnings for Greene County until 2 p.m. National Weather Service meteorologists measured hail up to 4 inches near the Springfield-Branson National Airport, with reports ranging from pea-sized to softball dimensions elsewhere. The northwest side bore the brunt, including the airport's entire 3,300 acres, where two- to three-inch hail damaged dozens of rental cars and travelers' vehicles. Airport spokesperson Ren Bishop Lubbering stated, “If you have a car that was parked here at the airport, it was likely impacted and received hail damage today. You should follow up with your car insurance if you need to determine next steps.” Flight schedules faced disruptions potentially lasting days.

At the Walmart Supercenter in north Springfield, all 24 skylights shattered, sending hail cascading inside and forcing an evacuation amid power outages. Vehicles in the parking lot suffered shattered windshields and rear windows, with some totaled. At least one person was struck in the head by hail, and police responded to a report of a bleeding individual who had left the scene. The store remained closed today with no reopening timeline.

Dickerson Park Zoo closed through today after hail damaged multiple roofs. A 21-year-old female emu died from injuries, and a male rhea required veterinary care. No other animals were harmed.

Power outages peaked at more than 10,100 customers shortly after noon, dropping to about 4,200 two hours later, primarily north of the city. Hail also dented homes' roofs and siding in northern and western Springfield and Greene County, damaged gas meters, RVs at a nearby campground, and even a Sonic restaurant. The Library Station in north Springfield closed early due to damage.

Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management public information officer Nicolette Zangara described a "mixed bag" of hail sizes leading to shattered windshields and structural damage. She noted hail as "the hardest hazard to get a declaration for." Residents were urged to report damage by calling 417-869-6040 for potential relief assessments. No human fatalities were reported, though cleanup and full damage evaluations continue today.