Weather
Large tornado touchdown in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A large and dangerous tornado has been confirmed by the National Weather Service in the Clayton area of St. Louis County.
A Tornado Warning is currently in effect for St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and portions of the Metro East, including Granite City and Madison County, through 3:15 p.m. Friday.
Residents in affected areas are strongly urged to take immediate shelter.
The tornado is moving eastward and poses a significant threat to life and property.
In addition, meteorologists have issued multiple tornado warnings:
- St. James and Crawford County: Warning in effect through 2:30 p.m.
- Rolla and surrounding communities: A previous warning was issued through 2:00 p.m.
A Weather Impact Alert has been issued for Friday afternoon as a potent system moves through the region.
The threat window is between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., during which storms are capable of producing:
- Tornadoes
- Baseball-sized hail
- Damaging winds
The Storm Prediction Center has elevated the St. Louis metro area to a Level 4 out of 5 risk—classified as Moderate Risk—on its severe weather scale.
This upgrade, announced Thursday afternoon, highlights the increasing confidence in the potential for widespread severe weather.
While the greatest risk may be centered in southeastern Missouri and into Illinois, severe storms remain possible across the entire region, including to the northwest.
Forecasters note that storm development remains uncertain, and interactions between multiple cells could rapidly change the situation as the afternoon progresses.
Key Reminders:
- Not everyone will experience rainfall or a tornado, but areas in the warning zones must remain alert.
- Tornado sirens and alerts may sound with little warning, so have a plan in place.
- Monitor local news, NOAA weather radio, or trusted weather apps for real-time updates.
Stay indoors, avoid windows, and move to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
If you are outdoors or in a vehicle, seek shelter in a nearby building or lie flat in a low-lying area away from vehicles and trees if no shelter is available.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Emergency responders are working multiple rescue calls after a confirmed tornado touched down west of Bloomington and moved directly toward the city, prompting urgent shelter warnings across the region.
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Clear Creek until 7:30 p.m. EST, describing the situation as particularly dangerous.
The tornado was confirmed on the ground approximately eight miles west of Bloomington and moving east at an estimated 40 miles per hour.
Authorities report that multiple homes have sustained significant damage, with early indications that several individuals may be trapped inside residences impacted by the storm.
Emergency crews are actively conducting search and rescue operations in affected neighborhoods.
Communities directly in the projected path included Bloomington, Ellettsville, the campus of Indiana University Bloomington, Solsberry, and Whitehall.
Meteorologists warned that the storm was capable of producing destructive winds and hail up to the size of ping pong balls. Officials emphasized that the tornado posed a serious threat to life and property.
Residents in the warned area were urged to seek shelter immediately — preferably in a basement or on the lowest level of a sturdy structure, inside an interior room away from windows.
Authorities stressed not to delay action while waiting for visual confirmation of the tornado.
Emergency management officials continue to monitor the storm’s track and assess damage. Additional updates are expected as response efforts continue and more information becomes available.