Weather watchers are keeping an eye to the sky today, as strong to severe storms are expected to develop ahead of a cold front that'll move through.
The National Weather Service has issues a Tornado Watch for most of the WSIU listening area until 7:0o pm.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Christine Weilgos says the heaviest storms will likely make their way into our region mid-day.
"Right now, we're thinking that a lot of storms will develop around the Noon hour in southeast Missouri, and then push into portions of southern Illinois and western Kentucky probably in the afternoon and early evening hours."
Weilgos says high winds, heavy rain, and possibly hail and tornadoes could come with the line of storms this afternoon.
"Widespread damaging winds are expected with the line, and we could have some very strong winds at that, based on the upper-level winds that are being forecast to move over the area. So winds in excess of 70 or 80 miles an hour could be possible with the storms. Tornadoes are obviously always going to be possible when you have this kind of setup."
Weilgos says it is not unusual for severe weather in this area in October or even November. She points to last year's strong storms and even tornadoes on Halloween and on November 17th- when tornadoes hit Brookport and several other communities across Illinois.
This afternoon's potential for severe weather comes in ahead of a cold front. Weilgos says the change won't be dramatic, but Monday's temps will be warmer than we can expect Tuesday.
"We'll be well into the 70's today, ahead of this front, and then back into the 60's tomorrow. The system's going to have to linger over us for a few days, so we're just going to have some scattered showers Tuesday into Wednesday."
Weilgos says strong to severe weather can strike at any time of year, but says Fall is the region's second "severe weather" season of the year - behind Spring.
