Severe Weather Threat Friday: Damaging Winds, Tornadoes Possible

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - A strong storm system is set to bring severe weather to the Parkland and much of eastern Missouri on Friday afternoon and evening.

The primary threats include damaging winds and the possibility of tornadoes. The National Weather Service has placed the entire region under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of 5) for severe weather, meaning conditions are favorable for significant storms.

Confidence is high that damaging winds will be the most widespread hazard, with some areas experiencing wind gusts up to 70 mph. Tornadoes could also develop within fast-moving lines of thunderstorms. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact timing of the storms, but the latest forecasts suggest thunderstorms could arrive earlier in the afternoon as a cold front moves through. Fortunately, the system is expected to exit the region quickly. If tornadoes do form, they are expected to be EF0 to EF1 in strength, accompanied by quarter-sized hail.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware and have a way to receive alerts throughout the day.