Missouri–Illinois–Kentucky Weather Alert: Damaging Winds and Brief Tornadoes Possible This Weekend
PADUCAH, KENTUCKY — A volatile weekend weather setup could bring damaging winds and brief tornadoes to parts of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah.
Meteorologists are tracking two rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms expected between Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning, with both capable of producing intense wind gusts, hail, and localized tornado activity.
First Round: Saturday Afternoon Storms
The first round of storms is forecast to develop Saturday afternoon across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, bringing a risk of winds up to 70 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Forecasters say there’s also a low-end tornado threat, especially in areas where storms form ahead of the approaching front. Communities including Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, and Carbondale could see the strongest activity between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Second Round: Overnight Threat into Sunday Morning
A second line of storms is expected to sweep through the region Saturday night into early Sunday, affecting western Kentucky and nearby areas. These storms may again bring damaging winds and brief tornadoes, particularly along and south of the Ohio River corridor.
Meteorologists warn that nighttime storms can be especially dangerous, as reduced visibility and sleeping hours can delay response to warnings.
“Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts — not just your phone,” forecasters urged. “Be ready to move to a safe place quickly if a warning is issued overnight.”
Residents Urged to Stay Alert
The greatest severe weather risk extends from mid-afternoon Saturday through early Sunday morning. Residents across the tri-state area are encouraged to secure outdoor items, review severe weather plans, and keep NOAA weather radios or mobile alerts active overnight.
Calmer and cooler conditions are expected to return by Sunday afternoon, bringing a quieter finish to the weekend.
Stay updated on more regional storm coverage, severe weather alerts, and forecast updates at NapervilleLocal.com, your trusted source for accurate community weather reporting.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.