ST. LOUIS — A dangerous winter storm is unfolding across eastern Missouri and southwest Illinois, bringing impactful snowfall to the St. Louis metro area tonight into Sunday, followed by another surge of brutal cold through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say St. Louis has a high likelihood — near 90% — of receiving 5 to 7 inches of snow, with the worst conditions expected overnight tonight through Sunday morning. Snowfall rates may be heavy at times, quickly covering roads and making travel hazardous to dangerous. Officials advise that nonessential travel should be avoided, especially late tonight and early Sunday.
Areas north of St. Louis will see lighter totals, generally 2 to 4 inches or less, while locations south and east of the metro remain firmly in the zone for impactful accumulations and hazardous conditions. The sharp gradient in snowfall totals means conditions may deteriorate rapidly over short distances.
As the storm departs, dangerous cold will intensify rather than improve. While tonight may offer a brief reprieve compared to this morning, wind chills are expected to drop again Sunday night into Monday morning, reaching −10°F to −20°F across the region, including St. Louis. The National Weather Service warns confidence is high that this will be another brutal night, even if exact values vary.
These wind chills pose a serious risk for frostbite in as little as 30 minutes, particularly for anyone outdoors without adequate protection. Residents are urged to dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and bring pets indoors. Those using alternative heating sources should ensure proper ventilation and working carbon monoxide detectors.
Snow may taper off during the day Sunday, but hazardous travel conditions are expected to linger, as extreme cold will prevent melting. Officials stress that the impacts of this storm will extend well beyond the final snowflakes, with dangerous cold persisting into Monday.
Residents are advised to closely monitor updates from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.
