St. Louis, MO – A volatile storm system is set to intensify across Missouri and Illinois late Friday, March 6, bringing an increasing tornado threat to communities along some of the region’s busiest interstates before the evening commute ends.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Friday afternoon over central and eastern Missouri before tracking northeast into western and central Illinois through the evening and overnight hours. Conditions support wind gusts up to 75 mph, hail as large as 2 inches in diameter, and the potential for several tornadoes, some of which could occur after dark.
In Missouri, the highest concern centers on areas along I-44 and I-70, including Springfield, Columbia and the St. Louis metro. Storms may rapidly intensify between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., producing brief tornado spin-ups ahead of a larger line of damaging winds. Travel along I-55 south of St. Louis could become hazardous within minutes as heavy rain reduces visibility below one mile.
Across Illinois, the tornado risk expands along the I-55 and I-74 corridors, impacting Springfield, Champaign and surrounding communities by late evening. Power outages are possible where stronger cells track directly over populated areas.
Residents should secure outdoor items now, charge devices and identify a lowest-level interior room away from windows. Enable emergency alerts before heading to bed, as storms may continue past midnight.
The severe weather threat remains in place through early Saturday morning, and additional watches or warnings are likely as storms strengthen Friday night.
