WEST PLAINS, Mo. – West Plains R-7 School District is one of a few around the Ozarks calling off class on Friday, April 4, 2025 because of severe weather and the potential for flooding across the area.

“With the potential for flooding and severe weather in the forecast, the West Plains R-VII School District will NOT be in session tomorrow, Friday, April 4, 2025,” the district wrote on Facebook Thursday. “We will share updates on school activities and events as more information becomes available. Stay safe, Zizzers!”

The closure comes at the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado damaged property southwest of West Plains from Highway JJ to County Road 8800.

According to the NWS, the tornado path length was 1.13 miles long, 350 yards wide, with maximum wind speeds up to 100 mph. Numerous trees were uprooted along the path and a metal roof of a small farm building was blown off.

Dora R-III School District in Ozark County made a similar announcement Thursday night.

In Bakersfield, the community is still recovering from an EF-3 tornado that killed three people on March 14 and caused damage to school buildings.

Bakersfield, Mo. residents recover from tornado that killed 3 people

The district is giving families the option to stay home on Friday, April 4 due to extreme weather conditions or the anxiety it could cause.

You can find an updated list of school closings listed here.

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