Risk of Mammoth Hail & Strong Tornadoes for Missouri & Illinois

As we get closer to what is expected to be a historic storm event this Friday, this risk keeps growing for both Missouri and Illinois as forecasters now warn both states could see strong tornadoes and mammoth hail.

The NOAA Storm Prediction Center's outlook for Friday, March 14, 2025 just keeps getting worse for both Missouri and Illinois. Earlier this week, both states were only in the 15% slight risk area. Now, it's the red enhanced area where explosive thunderstorms are expected.

The specific scenario mentioned by the meteorologists at NOAA include some frightening possibilities:

"Tornadoes, several of which could be strong, widespread damaging winds with gusts from 70 to 90mph, and scattered large hail up to baseball size will be possible."

All of this storm activity is expected to begin happening late Friday afternoon with the worst o the storms to impact Missouri and Illinois Friday night. The National Weather Service in St. Louis added the expected timing of these storms and what's possible.

It's worth remembering again that the main threat from this storm may be damaging straight-line winds which could approach near hurricane-strength if the front develops as models are now showing.

Take the National Weather Service's advice and make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings. Unfortunately, it appears you will need it this Friday.