St. Louis, MO – A series of tornado warnings remain in effect for parts of Missouri and Illinois as severe thunderstorms move through the region late Friday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings for several counties, including Madison and St. Clair in Illinois and St. Louis City in Missouri, with some storms already producing tornadoes.
According to the NWS, as of 9:52 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Alton, Illinois, moving northeast at 55 mph. Radar indicated rotation, and the storm was producing ping pong ball-sized hail. Residents in St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, and surrounding areas are urged to seek shelter immediately.
A confirmed tornado was reported near East Carondelet and Cahokia, Illinois, moving northeast at 50 mph. Weather spotters confirmed the tornado, which is producing damaging winds and golf ball-sized hail. Areas at risk include Belleville, O’Fallon, Collinsville, and Fairview Heights.
In southeastern Missouri, a separate tornado warning was issued for Iron and Reynolds counties, where another severe storm with radar-indicated rotation was moving at 50 mph.
Residents in the affected areas should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Those in mobile homes or vehicles should seek substantial shelter immediately. Tornadoes at night are difficult to see—heed all warnings and take action to stay safe.
