ST. LOUIS — A significant eather event is expected this afternoon across much of the St. Louis area, particularly in the southeastern half of the viewing area. The National Weather Service has placed this region under a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms.
Areas northwest of St. Louis face a much lower threat. The highest risk zones include areas along and east of Interstate 44 in Missouri, and along and south of Interstate 70 in Illinois.
The primary hazards include large hail—potentially up to the size of baseballs—and damaging wind gusts between 70 and 90 miles per hour. While the tornado threat is limited, any tornadoes that do form could be strong, with the potential for isolated EF2 or stronger, particularly in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois.
Storms are expected to bubble along I-44 in Missouri and into the western parts of the St. Louis metro area between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The storms will then move quickly eastward and should exit the area by around 4 p.m. The storms will intensify as they push through southern and eastern portions of the viewing area, with the severe threat lasting until approximately 7 p.m.
When and where to expect severe weather in the St. Louis area:
- Level 4 risk for severe storms southeast of St. Louis, especially along I-44 (MO) and south of I-70 (IL)
- Storms start between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. near I-44 and western metro STL
- St. Louis area storms likely to exit by 4 p.m.
- Southern and eastern counties face the strongest storms from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Tornado risk highest in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, with isolated EF2+ tornadoes possible
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