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7 Critical Steps To Prepare For St. Louis, MO Weather Alerts—A 2025 Safety Guide

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As of today, Friday, December 19, 2025, the St. Louis metropolitan area is currently free from any active severe weather alerts, watches, or warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office St. Louis. The immediate forecast indicates a typical winter pattern with a mix of sun, clouds, and scattered chances for rain and minor snow accumulations over the coming week, meaning residents can breathe a sigh of relief for the time being. However, complacency is the biggest threat in a region known as the "Gateway to the West," which sits squarely in the path of some of the most volatile weather systems in the United States.

The reality is that the St. Louis region, spanning both Missouri and Illinois, is a perennial target for extreme weather, from devastating spring and summer tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds to flash flooding and crippling winter ice storms. This updated guide provides a comprehensive look at the specific threats St. Louis faces and outlines the seven critical, expert-recommended steps you must take now to ensure your family's safety before the next NWS alert sounds.

The St. Louis Severe Weather Threat Landscape: Tornadoes, Floods, and Ice

St. Louis’s unique geographical position makes it highly susceptible to a wide array of severe weather phenomena year-round. The city lies near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, which significantly increases the risk of major flooding. Furthermore, it is situated in the heart of "Tornado Alley's" eastern edge, making it a frequent target for powerful rotating storms.

Historical data shows that the city has been impacted by significant, even violent, tornadoes, alongside severe thunderstorms that produce large hail and extremely dangerous winds. In addition to these spring and summer hazards, the winter months bring the threat of major ice storms and heavy snow, which can cause widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions.

Understanding the NWS Alert System: Watch vs. Warning vs. Advisory

Knowing the difference between the three primary alert types issued by the National Weather Service is the single most important part of your severe weather preparedness plan. Misunderstanding these terms can cost you critical minutes when a storm is bearing down.

  • Weather Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for a particular hazard to develop in or near the watch area. For example, a Tornado Watch means a tornado is possible. This is your time to review your plan, gather your emergency kit, and stay tuned to local media.
  • Weather Warning: This means that a particular hazard is imminent or already occurring. For example, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a storm with damaging winds or large hail has been spotted or detected by radar. This is the time to take immediate shelter.
  • Weather Advisory: This is issued for weather events that cause significant inconvenience and pose a threat to life and property if caution is not exercised. Examples include a Dense Fog Advisory or a Winter Weather Advisory for light freezing rain or snow.

7 Critical Steps to Ensure Your Family's Safety During a St. Louis Weather Alert

Preparation is the key to minimizing risk when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for St. Louis County or the surrounding metro area. Follow these seven steps developed in conjunction with Missouri StormAware and the City of St. Louis Emergency Management Agency.

1. Designate and Prepare Your Tornado Shelter Room

Every home needs a designated safe room. For a tornado, this should be a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor of your home, away from windows. If you live in an apartment or mobile home, identify the nearest sturdy building or community shelter. Practice getting to this shelter quickly with all family members, including pets, so it becomes second nature when the sirens sound.

2. Build and Maintain a Comprehensive Emergency Kit

An emergency kit, also known as a "Go Bag," is essential for surviving the immediate aftermath of a disaster. This kit should be easily accessible in your shelter room and include:

  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day).
  • NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries.
  • Flashlight, first-aid kit, and whistle.
  • Copies of vital documents (insurance policies, IDs) stored in a waterproof container.
  • Prescription medications and a change of clothes.

3. Sign Up for Multiple Official Alert Systems

Do not rely on a single source for your weather alerts. St. Louis residents should utilize multiple systems, including the City of St. Louis's official NotifySTL system for local alerts and the national Emergency Alert System (EAS) via a NOAA Weather Radio. Ensure your smartphone is set up to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for immediate, life-saving warnings.

4. Develop and Practice a Family Communication Plan

Severe weather can strike when family members are separated at work, school, or traveling across the metro area. Your plan should include:

  • An out-of-state contact person for everyone to call, as long-distance calls may be easier to complete than local ones during an emergency.
  • Designated meeting spots: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood in case of evacuation.

5. Know Your Flood Risk and Evacuation Routes

Given the proximity to major rivers, flash flooding is a constant, deadly threat. Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. The NWS motto, "Turn Around, Don't Drown," is a life-saving directive. If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, know your local evacuation routes and have a plan to move your valuables to a higher floor.

6. Secure Outdoor Items and Vehicle Protection

Before a Severe Thunderstorm Watch escalates to a Warning, take time to secure anything outdoors that could become a projectile in high winds, such as patio furniture, trampolines, and trash cans. If possible, move vehicles into a garage or covered area to protect them from large hail, which is a common hazard in St. Louis storms.

7. Monitor the NWS St. Louis Forecast Office Directly

For the most accurate, up-to-the-minute information, bookmark and regularly check the official National Weather Service St. Louis webpage. This is the primary source for all Watches, Warnings, and Advisories affecting St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and the Metro East area of Illinois. Local news channels like KSDK and KMOV also provide excellent, immediate coverage during active events.

The Importance of Year-Round Preparedness

While the immediate forecast for St. Louis, MO, is currently calm, the city's history is a stark reminder of the power of nature. From the intense heat of summer to the threat of ice storms and the constant danger of tornadoes, the St. Louis metropolitan area demands year-round vigilance.

By taking the proactive steps outlined above—creating a tornado safety plan, assembling a robust emergency kit, and utilizing multiple emergency alerts systems—you are not just preparing for the next storm; you are investing in the safety and resilience of your family and community. Do not wait for the next siren to start preparing; start today.

7 Critical Steps to Prepare for St. Louis, MO Weather Alerts—A 2025 Safety Guide
weather alerts st louis mo
weather alerts st louis mo

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