St. Louis, Mo. – A tornado watch is now in effect for 48 counties across Missouri, including the St. Louis metro area, Jefferson City, and Springfield, as severe storms track across the state this afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 262 remains active until 7 p.m. CDT. The alert spans from southeastern cities like Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff to central and eastern Missouri, including St. Louis City and County, Columbia, and the Lake of the Ozarks region. Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail, and isolated tornadoes are possible with any stronger cells.
Storms are expected to intensify throughout the early afternoon, especially along and southeast of the I-44 corridor. Communities in Greene, Laclede, and Texas counties may face rapidly changing weather conditions, with rotating supercells developing ahead of a cold front. Emergency management officials urge residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings and seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.
Power outages and travel disruptions are likely near stronger storms. Drivers are advised to delay travel along I-55, I-70, and Route 63 during peak activity. Mobile homes and outdoor events are especially vulnerable.
The tornado watch expires at 7 p.m., but more warnings could follow if storms remain severe into the night.
