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.
POINT COMFORT, Texas — Powerful thunderstorms swept across parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, producing extreme wind gusts that caused significant destruction in Point Comfort and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A WeatherFlow HurrNet station recorded a peak wind gust of 119 miles per hour in Point Comfort, indicating a highly destructive wind event—likely a downburst associated with a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region.
Nearby communities also experienced intense conditions, with wind gusts reaching 77 mph in Palacios, Texas.
Widespread Storm Damage Reported
Preliminary reports indicate extensive damage stretching from near Coleto Creek Reservoir southeast through Point Comfort and toward Port O’Connor.
Residents and storm observers described scenes of severe impact consistent with extreme straight-line winds.
Reported damage includes:
- Downed power lines and widespread power outages across Point Comfort
- Large transmission towers toppled or severely damaged
- Trees uprooted or snapped at the base, with some falling onto homes
- Metal structures and roofing materials torn from buildings
- Vehicles, including trucks and boats, overturned by strong winds
- Billboards destroyed and outdoor infrastructure heavily damaged
One eyewitness described winds “easily exceeding 100 mph,” noting that debris, including large pieces of metal, was ripped from nearby buildings.
Additional reports suggest that a semi-truck parked at an industrial site was flipped, further underscoring the intensity of the wind event.
Possible Downburst Under Investigation
Meteorologists believe the damage pattern is consistent with a downburst, a powerful column of sinking air that spreads outward upon reaching the ground, producing intense and localized wind damage.
However, the National Weather Service has confirmed that a formal damage survey will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Community Urged to Share Information
Officials are asking residents to submit photos, videos, and damage reports, including locations and estimated times, to assist with the ongoing assessment.
This information will help meteorologists better understand the storm’s impact and confirm whether the event was solely caused by straight-line winds or involved additional severe weather factors.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Emergency crews and utility workers are actively responding to restore power and clear debris as residents begin recovery efforts.
Authorities continue to urge caution in affected areas due to downed lines, unstable structures, and hazardous debris.
This severe weather event highlights the destructive potential of fast-moving thunderstorm systems and the importance of staying alert during rapidly changing weather conditions.