Severe Thunderstorms Move Across St. Louis Region
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is affecting northwestern Monroe County in southwestern Illinois, northern Jefferson County in east central Missouri, southwestern St. Louis County in east central Missouri, and St. Louis City.
The warning means thunderstorms in the area are capable of producing dangerous conditions, including damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and potentially large hail. Residents in and around the warned areas should take the warning seriously and move indoors if thunderstorms are approaching.
The National Weather Service uses Severe Thunderstorm Warnings when storms pose an immediate threat from severe wind and/or hail.
St. Louis City and St. Louis County
Thunderstorms affecting St. Louis City and southwestern St. Louis County can create rapidly changing conditions across heavily populated areas.
Residents should:
- Move indoors and remain away from windows.
- Avoid unnecessary travel while the strongest storms are overhead.
- Secure or move lightweight outdoor objects if it can be done safely before storms arrive.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the appropriate utility or emergency officials.
- Never touch a downed wire or anything that may be in contact with it.
Strong thunderstorms can also produce sudden reductions in visibility, dangerous wind gusts, and debris hazards.
Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois
The warning also includes northern Jefferson County, Missouri, and northwestern Monroe County, Illinois.
People traveling through the warned area should be prepared for rapidly deteriorating weather. If strong winds, hail, or torrential rain develop, motorists should reduce speed, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
If conditions become dangerous, pull into a safe location away from trees and power lines and wait for the strongest part of the storm to pass.
Power Outages Reported Across Missouri
Storm impacts are also being monitored in Crawford, Gasconade, and Maries Counties, where power outages have been reported.
Power outages can continue after the thunderstorm itself has moved away, particularly if strong winds bring down trees or damage electrical infrastructure.
Crawford Electric Cooperative serves customers across Crawford, Gasconade, and several surrounding Missouri counties and provides an outage center for members.
Because outage information can change quickly as crews respond, residents should check their local electric provider for the latest restoration information. Statewide outage information is also coordinated through Missouri’s electric cooperative network.
What to Do During the Storm
The safest place during a severe thunderstorm is inside a sturdy building. Stay away from windows and exterior doors until the storm has passed.
If the power goes out:
- Use flashlights instead of candles when possible.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible.
- Unplug sensitive electronics if conditions allow.
- Keep phones and backup batteries charged.
- Never operate a generator indoors, inside a garage, or near doors and windows.
- Treat every downed power line as energized.
Even after thunder and heavy rain end, hazards can remain from damaged trees, electrical lines, debris, and blocked roadways.
Stay Weather Aware Tonight
The combination of a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and ongoing power outages makes this an important period for residents across the St. Louis region and central Missouri to remain weather aware.
Severe weather can change quickly, and a warning for one location does not necessarily mean every nearby community is experiencing the same conditions. Continue monitoring official weather information and local emergency notifications for updates.
Stay indoors during the strongest storms, avoid downed power lines, and never drive through flooded roads. Stay weather aware and stay safe as storms move through the region.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
