St. Louis, Mo. – Thunderstorms may roll across much of Missouri Saturday afternoon, bringing lightning, sudden downpours, and dangerous wind gusts up to 50 mph. The strongest storms are expected during peak afternoon hours, raising concerns for outdoor events and travel.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, the main threats include frequent lightning strikes, brief heavy rainfall that could reduce visibility, and localized wind damage. Most of the state will be at risk, with the greatest impacts likely along the I-70 corridor and surrounding metro areas.
Residents in St. Louis, Columbia, and Jefferson City should be alert to rapidly changing skies. Strong gusts may down tree limbs and create hazards for drivers, especially on elevated roadways and bridges. Those with weekend plans outdoors are urged to move inside at the first sound of thunder.
Power outages remain a possibility if stronger cells develop. Safety officials recommend charging devices ahead of the storms and avoiding unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.
Storm chances are expected to diminish by Saturday night, but unsettled conditions may return early next week. Additional advisories could be issued if storms intensify.
