St. Louis, Missouri – Residents across eastern Missouri and western Illinois should prepare for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with the greatest concern centered on damaging wind gusts capable of bringing down trees and causing scattered power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, areas along and east of the Mississippi River are under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms through this evening. The highest threat is expected between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., when daytime heating and an approaching weather disturbance could allow storms to rapidly strengthen.
The corridor at greatest risk includes St. Louis, Belleville, Edwardsville, Alton, Mount Vernon and surrounding communities in southwest and south-central Illinois. While storms are expected to remain isolated to scattered, any thunderstorm that becomes severe could produce damaging straight-line winds capable of snapping tree limbs, downing power lines and creating hazardous travel conditions. Large hail cannot be ruled out in the strongest storms, but forecasters identify wind as the primary hazard.
Motorists traveling on Interstates 55, 64, 70 and 44 should be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility during heavy rain, along with strong wind gusts that could make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects before storms develop and ensure they have multiple ways to receive severe thunderstorm warnings, particularly if spending time outdoors this afternoon or evening.
The National Weather Service will continue monitoring storm development, and additional watches or warnings may be issued if thunderstorms become more widespread or intense.
