St. Louis, Missouri — A tornado watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday across parts of Missouri and Illinois as severe storms develop.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch No. 52 was issued at 1:30 p.m. CDT Sunday for portions of west-central Illinois and southern and eastern Missouri.
Forecasters say storms developing through the afternoon could produce a few tornadoes, scattered damaging winds, and isolated large hail. Wind gusts could reach 65 to 75 miles per hour, while hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter is possible in the strongest storms.
Meteorologists say thunderstorms may organize into a line along or ahead of a cold front later this afternoon, which could increase the threat for widespread damaging winds across the region.
Communities within the watch area include St. Louis, Alton, Troy, Jefferson City, Sullivan, Farmington, Hannibal, Centralia, and West Plains, along with surrounding areas across eastern and southern Missouri and west-central Illinois.
The watch area extends roughly 75 miles east and west of a line from north of Alton, Illinois, to southwest of West Plains, Missouri, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Officials emphasize that a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, though tornadoes are not guaranteed to occur.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter quickly if a warning is issued. Aviation interests should also expect extreme turbulence, strong wind gusts, and storm tops reaching 40,000 feet in stronger cells.
For students, workers, and commuters traveling Sunday evening, storms could produce rapidly changing conditions and sudden roadway hazards.
The tornado watch remains active until 8 p.m. CDT Sunday, though additional warnings may be issued if storms intensify.
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