St. Louis, Missouri – Residents across Missouri and southern Illinois could face dangerous weather Sunday afternoon and evening as a powerful cold front triggers a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms has been issued for areas south of the Interstate 44 corridor in Missouri and south of Interstate 70 in Illinois. The strongest storms are expected to develop along the approaching cold front before sweeping east across the region later in the day.
Forecasters say the primary threat will be damaging wind gusts, which could down trees and power lines. Some storms may also produce brief isolated tornadoes, particularly across southeast Missouri and parts of southern Illinois.
Travelers along Interstate 44, Interstate 55, and Interstate 57 could encounter sudden heavy rain, lightning, and strong wind gusts as storms move through the region during the late-day hours Sunday. Visibility could quickly drop during intense downpours.
Temperatures will also drop sharply behind the cold front, bringing much colder air into Missouri and Illinois late Sunday night into Monday.
Residents are encouraged to review severe weather safety plans and ensure they have multiple ways to receive warnings Sunday afternoon and evening. Additional watches or warnings may be issued as the storm system approaches the St. Louis region.
