Storm Chaser Don Sanderson

05/16/2026

Meteorologists from NWS St. Louis spent the last year refining the May 16, 2025 St. Louis Tornado damage assessment. Below is a summary of the adjustments, with more details at weather.gov/lsx/STLTornado. Thank you to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and City of St. Louis EM for helping us with the assessment.

05/08/2026

Daniel Shaw and Vince Waelti did an excellent job assisting the people impacted by this storm. This is why it is important to have at least some medical training, medical supplies, and proper equipment with you when storm chasing. You just never know when you are going to pull up on a scene like this.

04/27/2026

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 160
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1250 PM CDT Mon Apr 27 2026

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

*Tornado Watch for portions of
Southern Illinois
Eastern and Southern Missouri

*Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 1250 PM until900 PM CDT.

*Primary threats include...
Several tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely Widespread damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts to 75 mph possible Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible

SUMMARY...A remnant boundary left over by overnight/early morning storms will be an initial focus for intense storm development including supercells, with additional storms developing later afternoon across broader parts of the region. All severe weather hazards all possible, including strong/intense tornadoes.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 65 statute miles north and south of a line from 15 miles north of Springfield MO to 45 miles east of Salem IL. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

REMEMBER...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

01/23/2026

Arctic cold has arrived, and is here to stay through at least Monday. Winds at times through Monday will be strong enough to push wind chills well below 0 degrees and make it dangerous to be outside for any length of time. Please take appropriate action and stay safe!

01/23/2026

01/22/2026

So, I've stayed pretty quiet about the incoming winter storm. I've seen a few predictions out there calling from anything from 2" to 72"+ of snowfall in some areas. A lot of these predictions are purely hyperbole and shouldn't be believed.

What I do know is that this winter storm will be one of the biggest storms a lot of areas have seen in a years. On top of that, we will have dangerous cold to deal with in the area.

I'm not going to offer my prediction for how much snow we may see. The precipitation type, location, and totals are slowly starting to resolve in the forecast models and will likely change again. Instead, let's focus on preparations.

What you can do to prepare:

❄️ Winter Storm Preparedness Tips ❄️
✔️ Charge phones & power banks
✔️ Have flashlights, batteries & blankets ready
✔️ Stock food, water & medications (3+ days)
✔️ Keep your vehicle fueled & stocked with a winter kit
✔️ Bring pets indoors & check on neighbors
✔️ Stay off roads if possible & use generators outdoors only

I'll post updates as we get closer.

11/12/2025

The Aurora was amazing tonight!

04/04/2025

More severe weather on the way for today and flooding is likely.

04/04/2025

NWS Saint Louis survey results for the tornado north of Potosi in Washington County, MO.

04/04/2025

A few shots from tornado north of Potosi, MO.