Mid-Missouri sees large hail and possible tornadoes from Friday storms

Storms blossomed across eastern Missouri on Friday afternoon as a cold front swept into a moist and energetic atmosphere over the Midwest. While the highest risk of storms is just east of our area, Central Missouri experienced a fair share of severe activity.

The primary hazard for our area was large, and at times gigantic, hail. Hailstones greater than 3 inches were reported in parts of Pulaski County, where thousands of power outages also occurred after severe storms tracked through.

A potential tornado may have tracked through Phelps County, connected to the same storm cell that produced the 3-inch hail. Rotation was observed on radar in this destructive storm, but the National Weather Service will need to conduct a survey to officially determine tornado damage.

A confirmed tornado moved through St. Louis just an hour later as a line of storms continued to track east. Damage was reported in the northern parts of the city and images and videos quickly flooded social media.

Severe storms are possible again early next week as the jetstream lingers nearby and brings more waves of moisture and energy from Sunday through Wednesday.