The National Weather Service in St. Louis is warning of an enhanced threat for severe storms over this area for this afternoon and tonight. Our forecast for today shows a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly late this afternoon, with a high near 70. And, then showers and thunderstorms for tonight with a low of 50. In their Hazardous Weather Outlook, the National Weather Service in St. Louis says that severe thunderstorms are likely across the region late this afternoon and especially tonight. The NWS says the greatest risk is across southeast and east-central Missouri and northeastward into southwest and central Illinois. Severe weather threats for this afternoon and tonight include very large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The National Weather Service adds that several strong, long track tornadoes are also possible.