JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Friday declaring a “State of Emergency” ahead of a highly-anticipated storm with strong winds, heavy rain, hail and more threats expected across the state.
Kehoe’s office says, under the executive order, Missouri will activate a State Emergency Operations Plan that enables state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide assistance.
“While I hope this declaration proves unnecessary, ensuring our emergency management teams are fully prepared is my top priority,” said Kehoe via a news release. “The state’s emergency operations center will be activated at 1 p.m. today to support coordination efforts.”
The National Weather Service has placed much of the St. Louis area under a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe weather.
The greatest threat is forecast between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday in the metro area, with wind gusts up to 90 mph possible in the strongest storms. Tornadoes could also develop quickly and without much warning. Damage may be widespread in areas that are hit. Hail and heavy rain are also possible.
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