Strong Cold Front Could Bring Severe Storms, High Winds, and Possible Snow to the Parkland

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - A strong cold front expected to move through Missouri on Sunday could bring a mix of severe weather hazards to the region, including thunderstorms, damaging winds, and even some light snow overnight.

According to forecasters, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop Sunday afternoon along the advancing cold front and move east across the area through the evening hours. Some of those storms could become severe.

The primary threats with the storms include damaging wind gusts and the possibility of a few tornadoes as the line of storms pushes across the region.

However, the exact timing of the front remains uncertain. Meteorologists say that timing will determine how strong storms become in specific areas. If the front moves faster than expected, the highest severe weather threat could shift farther southeast. If it slows down, the local region could see a greater risk for severe storms during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Behind the front, strong winds are expected to develop. Wind gusts between 45 and 55 miles per hour are possible from about 6 p.m. Sunday through 8 a.m. Monday. Drivers of large-profile vehicles are advised to use caution, especially when traveling across bridges or overpasses.

Temperatures will drop sharply after the front passes, allowing for the possibility of snow overnight.

After a brief break in precipitation, an area of light snow could move across the region late Sunday night into early Monday morning. Snowfall rates of one-half to one inch per hour may occur in some areas.

Current projections indicate that one to three inches of snow could fall across parts of the region, with the highest chances in northeast Missouri and western Illinois.

Most of the accumulation is expected to occur on grassy or elevated surfaces, but minor accumulations on roadways, especially bridges and overpasses, are possible as temperatures fall into the teens and 20s.

Forecasters say it remains uncertain how quickly road temperatures will cool Sunday night, which will determine how much snow may stick to pavement.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts over the next couple of days as details about the storm system become clearer.