St. Louis, Missouri – Strong thunderstorms could begin disrupting travel and outdoor plans by 5 p.m. Friday as a cold front pushes severe weather into eastern Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, storms are expected to develop over northwest Missouri during the afternoon before tracking southeast into the metro area between 3 p.m. and midnight. The primary threat will shift toward damaging winds, with gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph as storms organize into a line.
Cities including Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis sit in the path of this advancing system, with impacts likely along major routes such as I-70, I-44, and I-55. Isolated tornadoes remain possible, particularly during the early stages of storm development before storms merge. Large hail may also occur but is considered a secondary concern.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions this evening, including possible power outages and downed trees. Secure outdoor items and ensure multiple ways to receive warnings are active before storms arrive.
The severe weather threat will continue into late Friday night, with additional alerts likely as the system moves across eastern Missouri.
