ST. LOUIS – A volatile stretch of fall weather is expected to unfold across southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois today, with rounds of showers and thunderstorms continuing through the evening and overnight hours. The National Weather Service in St. Louis warns that some storms between noon and 6 p.m. could turn strong to severe, bringing damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for a brief, weak tornado.
According to the NWS St. Louis office, the Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) covers areas from Farmington and Perryville, Missouri, into Carbondale and Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The strongest storms are likely to develop along and south of the I-64 corridor, where warm, humid air will fuel thunderstorm growth through the afternoon.
Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are likely under heavier downpours, with localized flooding possible in low-lying or poorly drained spots. The weather service advises residents to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and know where to take shelter if storms intensify.
Travelers along I-55, I-57, and I-44 should expect brief downpours and gusty crosswinds during the afternoon commute. Conditions will gradually improve overnight as the cold front moves east into Sunday morning.
