St. Louis, Missouri – Strong thunderstorms are expected to erupt near the Mississippi River by late Thursday morning, bringing a 60 mph wind threat and the potential for isolated tornadoes along I-70 and surrounding highways through 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, a cold front will sweep east across Missouri and Illinois on Thursday, triggering storm development near or just east of the Mississippi River. The primary time window for severe weather stretches from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the greatest risk shifting east through the afternoon.
In the St. Louis metro, including St. Charles, Chesterfield and Belleville, storms may intensify quickly late morning into early afternoon. Damaging straight-line winds are the main hazard, capable of downing tree limbs and causing scattered power outages. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, especially where storms interact along the boundary.
Farther east into Illinois, including Springfield, Effingham and areas along I-55 and I-57, the risk increases during the mid- to late afternoon. Wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, strong enough to disrupt high-profile vehicles on exposed stretches of highway. Brief heavy rain may also reduce visibility during peak travel times.
Residents should secure outdoor items, review tornado safety plans and ensure multiple ways to receive warnings before 10 a.m. Thursday. Charge phones and avoid unnecessary travel during active storms. Additional watches or warnings are likely as confidence increases in storm timing and intensity Thursday morning.
