Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - The threat of severe weather is rising for the Parkland on Friday, with strong storms expected to impact the region during the afternoon and evening hours. Forecasters say the atmosphere will be primed for dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing very large hail, damaging winds, and even a few tornadoes — with the potential for one or two to reach EF-2 strength or greater.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop between noon and 3 p.m. across southeast and east-central Missouri, including the Parkland area, as a powerful cold front moves in from the west. The storms are forecast to exit the region between 9 p.m. and midnight, pushing into Illinois and points east.

The most intense weather is expected to occur in areas along and south of the I-44 corridor in Missouri and the I-70 corridor in Illinois. A moderate risk area has been issued to account for a broader coverage of damaging winds — possibly reaching or exceeding 80 miles per hour — although the greatest risk for widespread 80+ mph wind gusts lies just east of the region.

Forecasters say confidence is high that the environment on Friday will be very unstable and supportive of severe thunderstorms, especially in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. While many storms are likely to develop, uncertainty remains about how widespread they will become. If too many storms form in close proximity, they may weaken each other and limit the overall severe threat. However, if fewer storms develop and persist, the chances of significant impacts — including strong tornadoes and hail the size of baseballs or larger — will increase.

Residents across the Parkland are urged to stay weather aware Friday and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued. The situation continues to evolve, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available from KFMO B104 News on-air and online.