Weather in southwest IL could turn severe, including damaging winds. Here are the details

If you’re heading out this afternoon, the National Weather Service office in St. Louis recommends you stay plugged in to what’s happening outside.

According to NWS Meteorologist Marshall Pfahler, the biggest potential threat to the metro-east is damaging winds, with the possibility of an isolated tornado or two. The forecast notes wind gusts could reach as high as 37 mph.

“Right now, it does not look like we are anticipating any widespread weather, but we will have some scattered storms across the area,” Pfhaler said. “The biggest threat is north and northeast of the Mississippi River as we get into the afternoon. The official thunderstorm outlook has a slight risk for the area.”

Pfhaler pointed out the threat will persist until 4 or 5 p.m. Monday.

“We’re getting these different bands of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Those will continue to push northeast through remainder of the day,” he said.

The National Weather Service website recommends keeping plugged into the weather forecast as it develops throughout the day and through the evening hours.

“Keep your phone charged, on, and audible overnight to ensure you get woken up (sic) by tornado warnings,” the the weather service advises.

This story was originally published October 11, 2021 at 12:29 PM.