Thunderstorm could bring hail, strong winds to metro-east

The National Weather Service announced that parts of Southern Illinois may see half-inch hail and winds gusting at 45 mph during thunderstorms rolling in.

The statement stated the Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Black Jack to Millstadt.

Affected areas include St. Louis, Florissant, Belleville, Granite City, O’Fallon, Alton, East St. Louis, Hazelwood, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Ferguson, Godfrey, Fairview Heights, Overland, Cahokia, Jennings, Swansea, St. Ann, Glen Carbon and Shiloh.

Interstate 64 in Illinois between exits 9 and 19 will also be affected.

This special weather statement is in effect until 5:30 p.m.

This story was originally published April 5, 2017 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Thunderstorm could bring hail, strong winds to metro-east."