St. Louis, Missouri – Strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across parts of eastern Missouri and western Illinois late Friday night into early Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, the region is under a slight risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms tonight.
The greatest threat window is expected between 11 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, when storms are most likely to become strong or severe.
Areas at the highest risk include northeast and central Missouri as well as west-central Illinois, including locations near Columbia, Hannibal, Quincy, and surrounding communities.
The St. Louis metro area may also see severe storms, though the threat is expected to decrease farther east across Illinois.
If storms develop and strengthen, the main hazards could include large hail and damaging wind gusts. Forecasters say a few tornadoes are also possible with the stronger storms.
Meteorologists note that storm development earlier in the evening cannot be ruled out, though the chance for early storms is considered low.
However, if storms do form during the late afternoon or early evening hours, they could quickly intensify and produce severe weather.
The system is expected to move across the region overnight, bringing the potential for strong thunderstorms during hours when many residents are sleeping, which can increase the danger if warnings are issued.
Because of this, weather officials recommend residents have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, such as weather radios, smartphone alerts, or local media notifications.
Residents should also remain weather aware tonight and be prepared to take shelter if severe weather warnings are issued.
