Storm System to Move Through Parkland

(St. Francois County, MO) Meteorologists with the National Weather Service say with a strong storm system set to move through the Parkland we will be under a flood watch starting at 6 pm tonight until noon tomorrow and a wind advisory from 6 am tomorrow morning until 6 pm tomorrow evening. The system is expected to produce heavy rainfall across portions of the area beginning tonight. Additionally, isolated thunderstorms will be possible late tonight in parts of southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois. We could see wind gusts of nearly 40 to around 45 miles per hour with rain totals of 2 to 4 inches. Excessive runoff may result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low lying and flood prone locations causing creeks and streams to rise out of their banks. Rain is expected to mix with, and then change over to, a wet snow in northeastern Missouri and west central Illinois Friday. Up to 2" of snow is expected, with the potential for more if the rain changes over to snow earlier than forecast. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.