Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued through 10 p.m. Sunday

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of the FOX23 viewing area, southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, through 10 p.m. Sunday.

Primary threats include scattered large hail and damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph during this timeframe.

Clusters of storms will continue to develop and intensify initially across east-central Missouri, as well as west-central/southwest Illinois this afternoon. The strongest storms will be capable of large hail and locally damaging winds.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

The Storm Prediction Center has also upgraded the risk to a Slight (Level 2 of 5) risk for severe potential through this area into Sunday night. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

– FOX 23 Storm Alert Team