Metro-east faces ‘high potential’ of tornadoes Wednesday. Here’s the latest forecast

The latest National Weather Service forecast shows the metro-east seeing a significant chance of tornadoes developing Wednesday.

Melissa Byrd, a meteorologist with the NWS of St. Louis, on Tuesday afternoon said Wednesday’s storm likely will produce dangerous weather to include possible tornadoes, winds in excess of 70-80 miles per hour and large hail at least the size of golf balls.

Byrd added the danger zone will be from 1-4 p.m. with the storms moving out of the area between 5 and 6 p.m.

“The main threat we’re facing is with the cold front that’ll move through the area tomorrow afternoon ... we could see significant weather with that,” Byrd said. “There’s a high potential for tornadoes developing.”

Byrd added the metro-east remains in an enhanced risk of severe weather from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center — a 3 out of 5 severity level — for Wednesday.

She also offered these safety tips.

“Especially with this occurring in the time period where people are at work and at school, we want to remind everyone to know where your safe place is located in your place of business,” Byrd said. “Talk with your co-workers. Fortunately, with schools, they really do practice where they need go.”

Byrd does not expect any flooding from Wednesday’s storms, but noted, with the threat of tornadoes and high winds, there’s a significant risk of widespread power outages.

She added a slight chance of showers and storms exists Tuesday evening into the overnight area, but that those should not be severe.

As Byrd noted, the National Weather Service recommends keeping plugged into the forecast as it develops, www.weather.gov. Their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/NWSStLouis.

“Be aware of what’s going on. Stay informed of the latest forecast and warnings. Plan and know where to go,” she said.