The Storm Prediction Center has increased the St. Louis region's threat level Friday evening to Moderate, the second-highest they issue for severe storms. RELATED: 'I've never done this in my career' - NWS meteorologist sends out dire warning about Friday severe weather 5 On Your Side Meteorologists have been cautioning all week about the possibility of a very quick but intense band of storms that could produce strong tornadoes that could last for some duration.

High winds have caused damage to utility lines, outbuildings and other structures and knocked down trees across the First Alert 4 viewing area on Friday evening ahead of a tornado-producing storm sweeping across the Midwest.