Tornado Threats Lift as Residents Return to Safety in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS — Residents in various counties south and east of St. Louis can safely leave their safe places now that the tornado threats have subsided. As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service confirmed radar-indicated tornadoes had touched down in Washington County, Missouri, and Bond County, Illinois.

Earlier tornado warnings issued for several counties have expired, though a tornado watch remains in effect for eastern portions of the region until 7 p.m. The St. Louis metro area faced a heightened risk for severe weather, categorized as a level 3 out of 5.

“Stay in your safe place until the threat has passed. It’s crucial to have a pre-determined meeting spot after the danger is over,” said a representative from the National Weather Service.

The stormy weather prompted the Weather Impact Alert to be issued throughout Wednesday, with strong winds, hail, and potential tornado formation forecasted during the early afternoon. Conditions heightened the likelihood for severe thunderstorms.

By noon, meteorologists warned that the atmosphere would become conducive for thunderstorms. Gusty winds, already expected to reach 40 to 50 miles per hour outside of the storms, remain the primary threat.

As the day progresses, further tornado warnings may still be possible as the region is under a tornado watch until 4 p.m. today. Residents are encouraged to utilize text messaging rather than phone calls during inclement weather to facilitate better communication.

“If there’s enough energy in the atmosphere, we could see a few strong to severe storms develop,” the meteorologists noted, urging communities to stay alert.

For the latest on watches and warnings, residents can download the 5 On Your Side app to track live weather conditions with interactive radar.