ST. LOUIS – Make sure you’re weather-aware and prepared for Sunday’s severe storms around St. Louis. An intense system could bring major winds, sizable hail, and isolated tornadoes to the bi-state region.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 (out of 5) severe weather, so this is likely a step down from the “314 Day” evening storms, but still a significant threat.

For Sunday, the most likely timeframe for severe weather is between noon and 7 p.m. Peak severe weather threats for those closer to the City of St. Louis will likely be from 1-3 p.m.

Communities west of St. Louis could see more severe weather impacts around noon. Many to the south of St. Louis or in Illinois could see storm impacts closer to the early evening hours.

Timing – What to expect

MORNING (5-11 a.m.)

A decaying complex of storms will move from the west between 5-10 a.m., though mid-Missouri (near Columbia) will likely see hail and gusty winds.

How these morning storms develop could impact what’s to follow near St. Louis. If Sunday morning’s storms stick around long enough, it could limit daytime heating and push the severe weather threats further to the southeast. If Sunday morning storms weaken or move out quickly enough for the atmosphere to recover, severe weather will be more prominent.

AFTERNOON (Noon-3 p.m.)

Whatever storms transpire from Sunday morning will set the stage for the afternoon, especially in southeast Missouri and in southern Illinois. Hail threats and damaging winds are currently expected along the I-55 corridor.

Impacts could be sporadic, but damaging winds (up to 60 mph), large hail (up to tennis ball size) and isolated tornadoes are possible. People close to Jefferson County in Missouri and Randolph County in Illinois should especially keep a close eye on ever-changing conditions.

EVENING (3-7 p.m.)

Severe storms will shift east and south of the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area, though there will be lingering severe risks closer to Cape Girardeau and more southern parts of Illinois. Hail and heavy wind are once again risks, though could begin to weaken closer to sunset.

As storms move out Sunday evening, Monday should feel much cooler but dry. Dry weather continues into Tuesday before another round of rain and storms.