Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2025

Tornado Warning 63, NWS St. Louis, MO

May 16, 2025Madison County, Saint Clair County, Illinois; Saint Louis County, City of Saint Louis, Missouri

NWS St. Louis, MO issued this tornado warning at May 16, 2025, 2:34 PM CDT for Madison County, Saint Clair County, Illinois; Saint Louis County, City of Saint Louis, Missouri. It was in force for 41 min. 42 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
May 16, 2025, 2:34 PM CDT (19:34 UTC)
Expired
May 16, 2025, 3:15 PM CDT
In force
41 min
Issued by
NWS St. Louis, MO
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.0 in

Counties Madison County, IL, Saint Clair County, IL, City of Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis County, MO

The radar

The St Louis radar (KLSX), 45 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:37 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
May 16, 2:35 PM CDTTSTM WND GST 60Creve Coeur, MOreported measured gust. time estimated.
May 16, 2:35 PM CDTHAIL 12 W Frontenac, MOReport from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
May 16, 2:35 PM CDTHAIL 1Creve Coeur, MOtime estimated.
May 16, 2:35 PM CDTHAIL 1.251 Se Overland, MO
May 16, 2:37 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 W Clayton, MOTwisted power poles and trees down and twisted guttering. Damage path was narrow.
May 16, 2:37 PM CDTHAIL 11 S Bridgeton, MOCorrects previous hail report from 1 S Bridgeton. Quarter-sized hail at St. Charles Rock Road and McKelvey Road.
May 16, 2:37 PM CDTHAIL 1.251 Ssw Saint John, MOHail in Overland and Charlack.
May 16, 2:37 PM CDTHAIL 1.751 Sw Saint John, MOCorrects previous hail report from 1 SW Saint John.
May 16, 2:38 PM CDTHAIL 1Woodson Terrace, MOReport from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
May 16, 2:40 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 E Clayton, MOlarge trees and fences blown over on Washington University Campus.
May 16, 2:40 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 E Richmond Heights, MOAt St. Marys Hospital insulation and metal objects were blown and scattered throughout the area. Windows were blown out of the building and numerous large tree branches were snapped on property. Report via email.
May 16, 2:41 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 W Clayton, MOReport courtesy of KMOV. Time estimated by radar.
May 16, 2:41 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Wnw Saint Louis, MONumerous trees down across the area.
May 16, 2:41 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG2 Wnw Saint Louis, MOSignificant damage to apartment complex. What looks like parts of the building are laying within the complexs interior courtyard. Balcony bars are bent and nearly falling off the windows. Windows are shattered.
May 16, 2:41 PM CDTTORNADORichmond Heights, MO*** 5 FATAL, 38 INJ *** Storm survey determined an EF3 tornado began near Clayton and tracked northeast through the city of St Louis and continued into Illinois. It dissipated near SIU Edwardsville. Thousands of buildings were damaged in the city of St Louis f
May 16, 2:42 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG2 Wnw Saint Louis, MO5655 Pershing Avenue in west St. Louis experienced considerable wind damage to the apartment building, including windows blown out.
May 16, 2:43 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 E Clayton, MONorthwest Fire District relayed a report of large trees down off Woodbourne Drive just southwest of Wydown Boulevard and Skinker.
May 16, 2:43 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nw Saint Louis, MOSeveral large trees down on Maryland Ave in West St. Louis.
May 16, 2:43 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Se Saint Ann, MOCell tower damaged. Several buildings damaged with broken windows.
May 16, 2:43 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Wnw Brentwood, MOSeveral trees down on Pine Ave.
May 16, 2:43 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Wnw Saint Louis, MOSeveral trees down on West Pine Blvd. Power is out in the neighborhood. Courtesy of KSDK. Time estimated by radar.
May 16, 2:43 PM CDTHAIL 1.51 Se Olivette, MOReport from mPING: Ping Pong Ball (1.50 in.).
May 16, 2:44 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 S Hillsdale, MOSignificant front porch damage to residence along Plymouth Avenue.
May 16, 2:44 PM CDTHAIL 1.51 Sw Saint John, MOReport from mPING: Ping Pong Ball (1.50 in.).
May 16, 2:45 PM CDTHAIL 12 W Overland, MO
May 16, 2:46 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG2 Nne Saint Louis, MOMultiple trees down, others broken off at the top, and cell phone tower damaged at Courion Industries.
May 16, 2:46 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG3 E Uplands Park, MOMissouri DOT reported tree debris littering I-70 at Carrie.
May 16, 2:46 PM CDTHAIL 1.751 Ene Olivette, MOPhoto submitted via email.
May 16, 2:46 PM CDTHAIL 2University City, MOPhoto submitted via social media.
May 16, 2:46 PM CDTHAIL 2.51 W Normandy, MOPhoto submitted via email. Hail fell near Clearview and Hatherly in north city.
May 16, 2:47 PM CDTHAIL 11 N University City, MO
May 16, 2:50 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nw Saint Louis, MO4-foot diameter tree down at McPherson Avenue and Taylor Avenue.
May 16, 2:51 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sw Granite City, ILDamage in the area including trees and a snapped flag pole.
May 16, 2:52 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG2 Ssw Mitchell, IL15-inch tree down at the roots with quarter-size hail.
May 16, 2:54 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ne Clayton, MOLarge tree down onto power lines.
May 16, 2:54 PM CDTHAIL 12 Ne Granite City, ILHAM Radio operator report near Pontoon Road and Maryville Road in Granite City.
May 16, 2:54 PM CDTHAIL 1.51 Nw Clayton, MOReport from mPING: Ping Pong Ball (1.50 in.).
May 16, 2:57 PM CDTHAIL 11 S Mitchell, ILReport from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
May 16, 2:57 PM CDTHAIL 11 Sw Mitchell, ILReport from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
May 16, 2:59 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG2 S Saint Jacob, ILHAM radio operator relayed reports of a tree down across summerfield road and lilac road.
May 16, 3:01 PM CDTHAIL 12 W Glen Carbon, ILReport from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).
May 16, 3:05 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Granite City, ILNumerous tree limbs down with structural damage to several homes along Emert Avenue and Johnson Road in Granite City.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this tornado warning; the first came 7 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
May 16, 11:58 AM CDTTornado WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 7.6 hours before the alert went out and 206 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2025-05-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2025-05-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -13 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
2325 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
63 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-13 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-15 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

944 
WFUS53 KLSX 161934
TORLSX
ILC119-163-MOC189-510-162015-
/O.NEW.KLSX.TO.W.0063.250516T1934Z-250516T2015Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service St Louis MO
234 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

The National Weather Service in St Louis has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Southern Madison County in southwestern Illinois...
  Northern Saint Clair County in southwestern Illinois...
  Central Saint Louis County in east central Missouri...
  Saint Louis City in east central Missouri...

* Until 315 PM CDT.

* At 234 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a 
  tornado was located over St. Ann, or over Overland, moving east at 
  50 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught
           without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or
           destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will
           occur. Tree damage is likely.

* Locations impacted include...
  St. Louis, Florissant, University City, Granite City, O'Fallon, 
  Kirkwood, Maryland Heights, East St. Louis, Hazelwood, 
  Collinsville, Edwardsville, Webster Groves, Ferguson, Creve Coeur, 
  Fairview Heights, Overland, Clayton, Jennings, St. Ann and Glen 
  Carbon.

This includes the following State Parks...
	Scott Joplin Historic Site and Horseshoe Lake State Park.

This includes the following highways...
	Interstate 64 in Illinois near exit 9.
	Interstate 55 in Illinois near exit 23.
	Interstate 70 in Illinois near exit 21.
	Interstate 70 in Missouri near exit 231.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built 
building away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, 
or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect 
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3859 9048 3877 9048 3882 9013 3881 9012
      3883 9011 3888 8977 3862 8972
TIME...MOT...LOC 1933Z 260DEG 44KT 3870 9042

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

$$

Kimble
4 follow-up statements
312 
WWUS53 KLSX 161945
SVSLSX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service St Louis MO
245 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

ILC119-163-MOC189-510-162015-
/O.CON.KLSX.TO.W.0063.000000T0000Z-250516T2015Z/
Madison IL-Saint Clair IL-Saint Louis MO-Saint Louis City MO-
245 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT FOR SOUTHERN 
MADISON AND NORTHERN SAINT CLAIR COUNTIES IN SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS, 
NORTHEASTERN SAINT LOUIS COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI AND THE 
SAINT LOUIS CITY IN EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI...

At 245 PM CDT, a confirmed and extremely dangerous tornado was 
located over St. Louis, moving east at 50 mph.

This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

HAZARD...Damaging tornado.

SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.

IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris
         may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile
         homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
         businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete
         destruction is possible.

Locations impacted include...
  St. Louis, Florissant, University City, Granite City, O'Fallon, 
  East St. Louis, Hazelwood, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Webster 
  Groves, Ferguson, Fairview Heights, Overland, Clayton, Jennings, 
  Glen Carbon, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Troy, Berkeley and Richmond 
  Heights.

This includes the following State Parks...
	Scott Joplin Historic Site and Horseshoe Lake State Park.

This includes the following highways...
	Interstate 64 in Illinois near exit 9.
	Interstate 55 in Illinois near exit 23.
	Interstate 70 in Illinois near exit 21.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built 
building away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, 
or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect 
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3859 9038 3878 9036 3882 9013 3881 9012
      3883 9011 3888 8977 3862 8972
TIME...MOT...LOC 1934Z 251DEG 41KT 3862 9041

TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

$$

Kimble
922 
WWUS53 KLSX 161950
SVSLSX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service St Louis MO
250 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

ILC119-163-MOC189-510-162015-
/O.CON.KLSX.TO.W.0063.000000T0000Z-250516T2015Z/
Madison IL-Saint Clair IL-Saint Louis MO-Saint Louis City MO-
250 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT FOR SOUTHERN 
MADISON AND NORTHERN SAINT CLAIR COUNTIES IN SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS, 
NORTHEASTERN SAINT LOUIS COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI AND THE 
SAINT LOUIS CITY IN EAST CENTRAL MISSOURI...

At 250 PM CDT, a confirmed and extremely dangerous tornado was 
located over Venice, moving northeast at 50 mph.

This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

HAZARD...Damaging tornado and golf ball size hail.

SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.

IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris
         may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile
         homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
         businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete
         destruction is possible.

Locations impacted include...
  St. Louis, Florissant, University City, Granite City, O'Fallon, 
  East St. Louis, Hazelwood, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Ferguson, 
  Fairview Heights, Clayton, Jennings, Glen Carbon, Bellefontaine 
  Neighbors, Troy, Berkeley, Richmond Heights, Maplewood and 
  Maryville.

This includes the following State Parks...
	Scott Joplin Historic Site and Horseshoe Lake State Park.

This includes the following highways...
	Interstate 64 in Illinois near exit 9.
	Interstate 55 in Illinois near exit 23.
	Interstate 70 in Illinois near exit 21.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built 
building away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, 
or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect 
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3862 9031 3878 9033 3882 9013 3881 9012
      3883 9011 3888 8977 3862 8972 3860 9031
TIME...MOT...LOC 1945Z 245DEG 42KT 3867 9025

TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN

$$

Kimble
450 
WWUS53 KLSX 161958
SVSLSX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service St Louis MO
258 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

MOC189-510-162008-
/O.CAN.KLSX.TO.W.0063.000000T0000Z-250516T2015Z/
Saint Louis MO-Saint Louis City MO-
258 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...TORNADO WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR NORTHEASTERN SAINT LOUIS COUNTY 
AND THE SAINT LOUIS CITY...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. 
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. However, gusty winds are 
still possible with this thunderstorm.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for a portion of 
east central Missouri.

&&

LAT...LON 3869 9015 3879 9014 3880 9012 3881 9012
      3883 9011 3888 8977 3862 8972 3861 9014
TIME...MOT...LOC 1950Z 245DEG 42KT 3870 9018

$$


ILC119-163-162015-
/O.CON.KLSX.TO.W.0063.000000T0000Z-250516T2015Z/
Madison IL-Saint Clair IL-
258 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT FOR SOUTHERN 
MADISON AND NORTHEASTERN SAINT CLAIR COUNTIES IN SOUTHWESTERN 
ILLINOIS...

At 258 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 
was located over Pontoon Beach, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
         Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree
         damage is likely.

Locations impacted include...
  Granite City, O'Fallon, East St. Louis, Collinsville, 
  Edwardsville, Fairview Heights, Glen Carbon, Troy, Maryville, 
  Pontoon Beach, Lebanon, Caseyville, Washington Park, Madison, 
  Fairmont City, South Roxana, Roxana, Hartford, St. Jacob and 
  Marine.

This includes the following State Parks...
	Horseshoe Lake State Park.

This includes the following highways...
	Interstate 64 in Illinois near exit 9.
	Interstate 55 in Illinois near exit 23.
	Interstate 70 in Illinois near exit 21.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built 
building away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, 
or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect 
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3869 9015 3879 9014 3880 9012 3881 9012
      3883 9011 3888 8977 3862 8972 3861 9014
TIME...MOT...LOC 1950Z 244DEG 42KT 3870 9018

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

Kimble
442 
WWUS53 KLSX 162005
SVSLSX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service St Louis MO
305 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

ILC163-162015-
/O.CAN.KLSX.TO.W.0063.000000T0000Z-250516T2015Z/
Saint Clair IL-
305 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...TORNADO WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR NORTHEASTERN SAINT CLAIR 
COUNTY...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. 
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. However, gusty winds are 
still possible with this thunderstorm.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for a portion of 
southwest Illinois.

&&

LAT...LON 3867 9009 3880 9012 3883 9011 3888 8977
      3868 8973
TIME...MOT...LOC 1958Z 244DEG 42KT 3875 9006

$$


ILC119-162015-
/O.CON.KLSX.TO.W.0063.000000T0000Z-250516T2015Z/
Madison IL-
305 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT FOR 
SOUTHEASTERN MADISON COUNTY IN SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS...

At 305 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 
was located over Edwardsville, moving northeast at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
         Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree
         damage is likely.

Locations impacted include...
  Granite City, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, 
  Maryville, Pontoon Beach, Madison, South Roxana, Roxana, Hartford, 
  St. Jacob, Marine, West Alton, Kuhn, Fruit, Poag, Mitchell and 
  Kaufman.

This includes the following State Parks...
	Horseshoe Lake State Park.

This includes the following highways...
	Interstate 55 in Illinois near exit 23.
	Interstate 70 in Illinois near exit 21.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built 
building away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, 
or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect 
yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3867 9009 3880 9012 3883 9011 3888 8977
      3868 8973
TIME...MOT...LOC 1958Z 244DEG 45KT 3876 9003

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

Kimble

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS St. Louis, MO wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at May 16, 12:14 PM CDT, 2 hours 20 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop along or just ahead of a cold front this afternoon. Hail in excess of 2 inches in diameter and damaging winds in excess of 80 mph are the primary threats. A few tornadoes are also possible. If tornadoes do develop, they could be strong.
  • After a dry Saturday, the chance for rain returns Sunday and continues into next week, with the highest chances on Monday night and Tuesday.
Area forecast discussion, May 16, 12:14 PM CDT, 2 hours 20 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion...Updated Aviation
National Weather Service Saint Louis MO
1214 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop along or just
  ahead of a cold front this afternoon. Hail in excess of 2 inches
  in diameter and damaging winds in excess of 80 mph are the
  primary threats. A few tornadoes are also possible. If tornadoes
  do develop, they could be strong.

- After a dry Saturday, the chance for rain returns Sunday and
  continues into next week, with the highest chances on Monday
  night and Tuesday.

&&

.SHORT TERM...  (Through Late Saturday Afternoon)
Issued at 254 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

The primary concern in the short term is the severe thunderstorm
threat this afternoon. The environment this afternoon will be
characterized by high CAPE and moderate to strong (mostly) linear
deep-layer shear. All short range deterministic guidance develops
3000+ J/Kg MLCAPE and as much as 4000+ J/Kg by around 18Z this
afternoon ahead of the front. 0-6km shear on all guidance is a
respectable 50-60kts as well. Forecast soundings show steep (7.5-
8.5C/km) mid level lapse rates with 2000+ J/Kg CAPE in the hail
growth zone. With that kind of instability and shear, rotating
updrafts are very likely, and this kind of environment almost
guarantees hail in excess of 2 inches. Low level lapse rates on
forecast soundings are basically dry adiabatic with deep
inverted-V signatures all the way to 850mb, so downdraft winds
from supercells could produce wind gusts in excess of 80 mph.
Linear shear will support splits and, depending on coverage,
mergers leading to upscale growth. All this leads to a high
confidence in severe weather this afternoon. With that said, where
and when convective initiation will occur is still somewhat
uncertain. The general consensus in most of the deterministic
models, including most CAMs is that CI will occur between 18-20Z
this afternoon over east central and southeast Missouri. The HRRR
has been particularly consistent in showing this the past several
runs. HREF probability of 2000+ J/Kg SBCAPE/>25 CINH/and 45kt+
0-6km shear maxes out at around 60% during that period just west
of the STL Metro area, extending southwest near the I-44 corridor.
This lends confidence to an early/mid afternoon CI west of the
Mississippi. There is a less likely scenario depicted by the
deterministic GFS and ECMWF where CINH is stronger, and there
isn't enough low level convergence along the front to initiate
convection until later in the afternoon over far southeast
Missouri and south central Illinois. To be clear, I think this
scenario is less likely, but it is plausible. One way or another,
forecast storm motion is 45-50kts, so even if the storms fire in
east central Missouri, they should clear eastern portions of the
CWFA by 22-00Z.

The remainder of the short term looks quiet with the cold front
moving down into Arkansas and the Tennessee Valley.  Cooler  and
drier air will spill into the Mid Mississippi Valley tonight and
Saturday.  Lows Saturday morning will range from around 50 in
northeast Missouri to the mid to upper 50s in the STL Metro and
parts of southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois.  Highs Saturday
will be around 10 degrees cooler than Today in the mid 70s to around
80.

Carney

&&

.LONG TERM...  (Saturday Night through Thursday)
Issued at 254 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

We look to continue with the active pattern into early next week as
the LREF shows another upper low now moving into the Midwest by the
middle of next week.  The cluster analysis is showing some spread
with regards to the track and the timing of the upper low which
could affect potential heavy rainfall and strong to severe
thunderstorms.

We will begin to see the chances for showers and thunderstorms to
slowly increase late Saturday night into Sunday as the LREF is
showing a warm front beginning to move north from the Missouri/
Arkansas border.  The chances will be highest on Sunday night and
again Monday night when it is likely that a low level jet will set
up the potential for MCSs to track along and north of the warm front
and the LREF members have it's highest chances (70-90%) for rain
both on Sunday/early Monday and Monday night/early Tuesday.  Most of
it's members are also producing rain as it brings a surface low and
cold front through the area late Tuesday. I couldn't rule out a few
hail producers with these MCSs given the forecast CAPE profiles and
the deep layer shear.  The deterministic GFS/ECMWF are showing
MLCAPES in the 1000-1500 J/kg range with deep layer shear of 40-50
knots on Tuesday, so depending of the track of the upper low, a few
strong to severe thunderstorms remain possible.  The LREF is still
advertising around a 60% chance of >2" of rainfall over the next 7
days over the entire area with only about of 10% of >4" of rainfall.
Still, this higher chance is possible with any training
thunderstorms that occur with the MCSs.

The low will move off to the east by late next week and
northwesterly flow will set up aloft.  After temperatures mainly in
the 70s and 80s Sunday into Tuesday, highs will fall off into the
60s for the mid to late next week.

Britt

&&

.AVIATION...  (For the 18z TAFs through 18z Saturday Afternoon)
Issued at 1210 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop along a cold
front over the next couple of hours. The metro terminals still
have the best chance, but coverage is too low to be confident
enough to introduce a prevailing or a TEMPO. Any thunderstorm that
does directly impact a terminal would have the capability of
producing low visibilities in heavy downpours and large hail with
some wind threat as well. Storms will move off to the east
quickly, with dry weather and VFR conditions favored thereafter.
Winds are expected to veer through this evening, with
west/northwest winds behind the front. Gusts may diminish or at
least weaken this evening before picking back up again by mid
morning on Saturday.

Gosselin

&&

.LSX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MO...None.
IL...None.
&&

WFO LSX
Hazardous weather outlook, May 16, 5:09 AM CDT, 9 hours 25 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service St Louis MO
509 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

ILZ058>060-064-065-069-070-074-079-095>102-MOZ018-019-026-027-
034>036-041-042-047>052-059>065-072>075-084-085-099-171015-
Greene IL-Macoupin IL-Montgomery IL-Bond IL-Fayette IL-Clinton IL-
Marion IL-Washington IL-Randolph IL-Adams IL-Brown IL-Pike IL-
Calhoun IL-Jersey IL-Madison IL-Saint Clair IL-Monroe IL-Knox MO-
Lewis MO-Shelby MO-Marion MO-Monroe MO-Ralls MO-Pike MO-Boone MO-
Audrain MO-Moniteau MO-Cole MO-Osage MO-Callaway MO-Montgomery MO-
Lincoln MO-Gasconade MO-Warren MO-Saint Charles MO-Franklin MO-
Saint Louis MO-Saint Louis City MO-Jefferson MO-Crawford MO-
Washington MO-Saint Francois MO-Sainte Genevieve MO-Iron MO-
Madison MO-Reynolds MO-
509 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of eastern and
central Missouri as well as west central and southwest Illinois.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon across parts of east
central and southeast Missouri into southwest and south central
Illinois. Very large hail in excess of 2 inches in diameter, damaging
wind gusts in excess of 80 mph, and a few tornadoes are all possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

Thunderstorms are possible again late Saturday night through next
Tuesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and early this
evening.

Carney

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 16, 1:57 PM CDT, 37 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service St Louis MO
157 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0151 PM     Hail             Dutzow                  38.60N 91.00W
05/16/2025  E1.75 Inch       Warren             MO   Public

&&

MF
Local storm report, May 16, 2:07 PM CDT, 27 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service St Louis MO
207 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0205 PM     Hail             Washington              38.56N 91.02W
05/16/2025  E1.00 Inch       Franklin           MO   Emergency Mngr

            Washington EM reported 1-inch hail.

&&

MF
Local storm report, May 16, 2:10 PM CDT, 24 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service St Louis MO
210 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0200 PM     Hail             2 SE New Melle          38.68N 90.86W
05/16/2025  E1.00 Inch       St. Charles        MO   Public

            Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).

&&

MF
Local storm report, May 16, 2:24 PM CDT, 10 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service St Louis MO
224 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0224 PM     Hail             4 S Weldon Spring       38.66N 90.65W
05/16/2025  E1.75 Inch       St. Louis          MO   Trained Spotter

&&

Pfahler
Local storm report, May 16, 2:25 PM CDT, 9 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service St Louis MO
225 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0224 PM     Hail             1 NE Weldon Spring      38.73N 90.63W
05/16/2025  E1.25 Inch       St. Charles        MO   Public

            60 mph estimated winds as well.

&&

Pfahler
Local storm report, May 16, 2:32 PM CDT, 2 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service St Louis MO
232 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0229 PM     Hail             3 E Chesterfield        38.65N 90.53W
05/16/2025  E1.00 Inch       St. Louis          MO   Public

&&

MF

The office that day

Everything else NWS St. Louis, MO issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 16, 2:02 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLSXCalhoun43 min
May 16, 2:26 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXCalhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Pike49 min
May 16, 2:52 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXClinton, Monroe, Randolph, Saint Clair, Washington30 min
May 16, 3:07 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXMacoupin, Montgomery38 min
May 16, 3:14 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXBond, Clinton, Fayette, Marion36 min
May 16, 3:18 PM CDTTornado WarningLSXBond, Clinton, Fayette, Marion33 min
May 16, 3:29 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXWashington31 min
May 16, 3:44 PM CDTTornado WarningLSXFayette, Marion14 min
May 16, 4:15 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXMarion, Monroe, Randolph, Saint Clair, Washington24 min
May 16, 4:47 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXRandolph43 min
May 16, 5:20 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXFayette22 min
May 16, 1:17 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXAudrain, Callaway, Lincoln, Montgomery, Pike, Warren73 min
May 16, 1:23 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXFranklin, Gasconade, Lincoln, Saint Charles, Warren52 min
May 16, 1:35 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXCrawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Washington40 min
May 16, 1:48 PM CDTTornado WarningLSXCrawford, Washington34 min
May 16, 1:57 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXFranklin18 min
May 16, 2:02 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXIron, Reynolds43 min
May 16, 2:17 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXFranklin, Saint Charles, Warren28 min
May 16, 2:25 PM CDTTornado WarningLSXIron, Reynolds35 min
May 16, 2:44 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLSXReynolds9 min
May 16, 2:55 PM CDTTornado WarningLSXIron, Madison50 min
May 16, 2:58 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXIron, Madison, Reynolds37 min
May 16, 3:01 PM CDTTornado WarningLSXCrawford, Washington34 min
May 16, 3:45 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXJefferson, Sainte Genevieve, Saint Francois, Washington45 min
May 16, 4:14 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXIron, Reynolds, Saint Francois, Washington46 min
May 16, 5:07 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLSXReynolds23 min
May 16, 5:09 PM CDTTornado WarningLSXSainte Genevieve9 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Illinois, 2025Tornado Warnings in Missouri, 2025Every tornado warning in 2025Tornadoes in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.