National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a sudden tornado warning and severe thunderstorm warnings in St. Louis, Missouri, late Thursday morning, urging roughly 150,000 people within the forecast area to seek immediate shelter.
The warnings come as temperatures surge above-average across the central U.S., with highs reaching near 60 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday for St. Louis. Both warnings gave people only minutes to act. Whereas some weather alerts can be issued hours or even days in advance, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can spin up quickly, requiring immediacy in the alerts.
The tornado warning was issued after a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a twister was located near Troy at 10:26 a.m. Central time. The storm was trekking east at 35 mph. NWS St. Louis warned that the tornado would be near Fountain N’ Lakes at around 10:35 a.m., then Winfield at 10:45 a.m. Other areas in the storm’s path include New Hope, Foley, Batchtown, Meppen, Beechville, and Brussels, as well as Cuivre River State Park.
“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,” the tornado warning said.
NWS meteorologist Jayson Gosselin told Newsweek that a tornado warning for the St. Louis forecast area was considered a “rare” occurrence in December.
Meanwhile, severe thunderstorm warnings were more widespread, encompassing areas such as Paynesville, Whiteside, Annada, Mozier, Hamburg, Michael and Kampsville, Wright City, Innsbrook, and others.
“Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds,” NWS St. Louis said in the severe thunderstorm warning. “Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Seek shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built structure.”
The severe thunderstorm warning was set to remain in place until 10:45 a.m. Central time, although Gosselin warned that more could be issued as the day progressed, with the storms not expected to move out of the St. Louis area for another three hours.
NWS St. Louis was “closely watching” the storms, he told Newsweek.
Other weather alerts also in place included a severe weather statement and wind advisory, among others.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the severe weather statement said. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
