ST. LOUIS — Severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes are headed to the St. Louis and Metro East region on Friday, and numerous residents may be in the dark due to an area-wide radio transmitter outage.
NOAA Weather Radios, which loudly alert thunderstorm and tornado warnings to residents when they are issued, are currently off the air, according to the National Weather Service. The outage is reportedly due to "phone line issues" at a transmitter in Shrewsbury and NWS technicians are working to find out what caused the issue.
The following counties are affected by the outage:
Missouri
- St. Louis County
- St. Louis City
- St. Charles County
- Franklin County
- Jefferson County
- Lincoln County
- Warren County Missouri
Illinois
- Madison County
- Monroe County
- St. Clair County
"Technicians continue to work on the St. Louis NOAA Weather Radio transmitter (KDO-89), but it is looking like it will not be up and broadcasting during the threat for strong to severe storms this afternoon and evening," the NWS St. Louis office posted Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Please have multiple other ways of receiving warnings."
The outage has been ongoing since Wednesday, and there is no estimated return to service date as of Friday.
The outage worries 5 On Your Side meteorologists, as the radios are the main information source for countless area residents who rely on them for severe weather updates.
Download the free 5 On Your Side app to get the latest watches and warnings and track conditions live with our interactive radar. Use these links to download now: iPhone | Google Play
In lieu of the outage, NWS recommended numerous other ways to get severe weather warnings, including:
- Local TV and Radio
- Wireless Emergency Alerts and Weather Apps
- Outdoor emergency sirens
- Certified internet sites
- Local friends, family and coworkers
Top St. Louis headlines
Get the latest news and details throughout the St. Louis area from 5 On Your Side broadcasts here.
