St. Louis, Missouri – Residents across northeast Missouri and west-central Illinois should brace for strong to severe thunderstorms between 6 p.m. and midnight Friday, with damaging winds and large hail topping the list of threats.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, the greatest risk zone includes cities like Hannibal, Missouri, and Quincy, Jacksonville, and Springfield, Illinois. The agency has highlighted the potential for winds exceeding 60 mph and hailstones over an inch in diameter, especially in areas marked under the Level 2 slight risk.
Localized heavy rainfall could also lead to brief flooding on low-lying roads and rural routes, particularly along U.S. Route 61 in Missouri and Interstate 72 in Illinois. Drivers are urged to monitor conditions and delay evening travel if possible. Outdoor plans or events in counties like Pike, Ralls, Adams, and Morgan may face last-minute cancellations or weather delays.
Emergency officials recommend securing loose outdoor items, charging devices, and staying indoors once storms begin. While the storms are not expected to last past midnight, additional rounds of rain and isolated storms may continue into early Saturday.
Severe thunderstorm watches or warnings may be issued Friday afternoon as the system develops.
