The heaviest of storm impacts are starting to move east of the St. Louis metro as Friday moves into Saturday. FOX 2 is working to confirm various reports of storm damage.

ST. LOUIS – Make sure you are weather-prepared this Friday evening. A dangerous storm system is expected to sweep through the St. Louis region, bringing the potential for destructive winds and fast-moving tornadoes.

The National Weather Service has placed much of eastern Missouri and western Illinois under a Level 4 out of 5 severe weather risk, a designation that signals there could be a range of weather outcomes and to be prepared for alerts.

Some tornado warnings have already began as of Friday evening (Check live blog below for more specific updates)

As of Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for dozens of counties in the bi-state region through 11 p.m. Friday. The watch indicates that there are favorable atmospheric conditions for the formation of tornadoes, though it does not guarantee a tornado will happen.

IMPORTANT: If the watch is upgraded to a warning in your area, a radar has detected rotation or that there has been a tornado sighting, and you should take shelter immediately.

The strongest threats in the St. Louis area are expected between 8-11 p.m. Friday. Wind gusts could peak at 90 mph, while tornadoes could also develop quickly and without much warning. Additionally, there could be some hail, rain and thunderstorm chances around the same time.

Meteorologists urge residents to stay weather-aware, monitor warnings and remain close to shelter throughout the evening. Damage could be widespread in areas that are hit.

Download the FOX 2 app for weather alerts for Android and Apple devices to stay on top pf ever-changing weather updates. The free FOX 2 STL + app allows viewers who download the app on smart TV’s to watch FOX 2 News’ weather coverage live.

Lastly, check back for live blog updates below this story…