Thunderstorms, rain close southwest Missouri roads

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- Rural roads and some smaller highways are closed across southwest Missouri by flooding from heavy rain as thunderstorms cross the region.

Authorities said no tornado sightings were immediately reported after tornado warnings early Thursday in Lawrence County, between Springfield and Joplin.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said numerous lettered routes were closed because of water pooling on the roads.

A few smaller state highways also had flooded low-water crossings, including Highway 123 in Greene County and Highway 95 in Ozark County.

The State Highway Patrol urged drivers to go slow and beware of the danger of hydroplaning on wet roads.