Severe Weather Threat: Damaging Winds and Strong Tornadoes Possible Friday

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - A powerful storm system is set to bring severe weather to the Parkland on Friday, with damaging straight-line winds over 80 mph and the potential for strong tornadoes. A Moderate Risk has been issued for much of the area, indicating a significant threat of severe storms.

A line of thunderstorms is expected to sweep east across the region at speeds of up to 80 mph Friday afternoon and evening. These storms will move quickly, meaning they won’t linger over any one location for long. However, the potential impacts could be severe.

The primary threat with this system will be damaging wind gusts exceeding 80 mph, capable of causing significant damage. Additionally, tornadoes, including some possibly strong (EF2+), and large hail up to golf ball size are possible.

Thunderstorms are expected to reach the Parkland between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. A Wind Advisory is in effect from noon Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday, with sustained winds between 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph.
Unsecured objects could be blown around, and tree limbs may fall, causing localized power outages.

While the system lacks some instability, its overall strength is expected to overcome this, increasing confidence in severe weather development. The exact timing of storm initiation remains uncertain, but once storms develop, they will move rapidly.

Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, secure outdoor objects, and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.