MISSOURI, USA — Countless residents across the St. Louis area were woken up by early morning sirens as severe storms capable of producing tornadoes swept over the St. Louis area Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., and again in the afternoon, but most counties sound the sirens even if only a small part of the county is under the actual tornado warning.
Damage from the Thursday morning storm system was limited to a handful of toppled power lines and vehicle crashes.
Another round of storms rolled into the area in the afternoon and are expected to continue through the evening.
Several tornado warnings were issued for the afternoon storms, with at least one radar-conformed tornado north of Maeystown, Illinois. Keep up to date with the latest developments here.
Damaging hail was also widely reported across the region.
Isolated tornadoes remain possible Thursday evening, with the entire 5 On Your Side viewing area under a Tornado Watch until 9 p.m.
People in the St. Louis area should use Thursday sirens as a wake-up call to prepare for the state's annual tornado season, the height of which usually runs from April to June. Ready.gov, the federal government's emergency and disaster public service campaign, offers a host of tips for how to get ready for potential tornadoes, including:
- Know the signs of a tornado: A rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train may all be signed of a potential tornado.
- Sign up for your community and national emergency weather alerts.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter or a storm shelter. If a shelter isn't available, the next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Plan for your pets.
- Prepare for long-term sheltering in place by gathering emergency supplies, non-perishable foods, water and medication.
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