Tornado Warning Issued for Franklin County

Strong storms bring risk of tornadoes, hail, and high winds to St. Louis region

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:08am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive, ominous thunderstorm system dominating the skyline, with dark clouds and dramatic lighting dwarfing any visible structures or landmarks in the distance.As a powerful storm system moves in, the awe-inspiring scale of nature's fury looms over the St. Louis region.St. Louis Today

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Franklin County, Missouri until 9:45 PM on Wednesday night as severe storms with the potential for quick spin-up tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds up to 60 mph move through the St. Louis area. The 5 On Your Side Weather Impact Team has also issued a Weather Impact Alert due to the dangerous storm conditions.

Why it matters

Tornado warnings are serious weather alerts that indicate an imminent threat to public safety. Residents in the affected areas need to take immediate shelter as these storms can produce damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes that can cause significant property damage and threaten lives.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Franklin County, Missouri until 9:45 PM on Wednesday night. Chief Meteorologist Scott Connell warned that the storms have the potential to produce quick, spin-up tornadoes, along with quarter-sized hail and wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph. The 5 On Your Side Weather Impact Team has also issued a Weather Impact Alert due to the dangerous storm conditions.

  • The tornado warning was issued at around 9:00 PM on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 and is in effect until 9:45 PM.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

Scott Connell

The Chief Meteorologist at 5 On Your Side, the local NBC affiliate in St. Louis, Missouri.

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What they’re saying

“After midnight, the only concern will be if we have any thunderstorms repeating over the same locations. If that happens ... then we would be talking about the potential for flash floods.”

— Scott Connell, Chief Meteorologist

What’s next

Residents in Franklin County should seek immediate shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. They should avoid windows, doors, and outside walls. The tornado warning will remain in effect until 9:45 PM, and the severe storm threat will continue through the overnight hours.

The takeaway

This tornado warning highlights the importance of being prepared for severe weather and having a plan in place to quickly get to safety when dangerous storms approach. Residents should closely monitor weather alerts and heed all warnings from local authorities to protect themselves and their families.