WPSD-TV meteorologists have activated a Weather Authority Alert for Friday afternoon and evening. Multiple rounds of severe storms could be possible.
Prior to Friday, a few severe storms may be possible Thursday afternoon and evening. This is a highly uncertain, sort of an all-or-nothing setup. A “cap” on the atmosphere may prevent storm development…but if any storms are able to form, they would likely turn severe.
The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded portions of Missouri and all of Kentucky and Illinois to a Level 4 Moderate risk for Friday afternoon or evening — the exact timing is still a bit uncertain. There may be more than one round of storms.
Damaging wind gusts, possibly over 70 mph, could be possible with any organized lines or complexes of storms. If individual supercell storms develop, these would pose a higher threat for tornadoes and possibly very large hail. With numerous graduation ceremonies set for Friday evening, residents will need to keep a close eye on the timing of these storms.