Residents across Wildwood, Chesterfield, and surrounding communities should brace for a dangerous evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through 9 p.m. tonight, and strong-to-severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain, and an isolated tornado to the area.

The City of Wildwood issued a severe weather alert Monday morning, saying conditions will start mild and breezy before deteriorating through the afternoon. Rapid storm development late this afternoon is a particular concern, the city said, and may knock out power and disrupt travel across the region. Multiple St. Louis-area school districts dismissed students early Monday due to the threat, according to local media reports.

Stay Off Flooded Roads

With heavy rain expected in a short window, localized flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas is likely. The city is urging drivers to stay off any road covered by standing water.

That warning carries extra weight along Wild Horse Creek Road between Centaur Road and Ossenfort Road in Wildwood. That roughly one-mile stretch runs along the top of the Wild Horse Creek stream bank and sits within the creek's floodway — making it one of the area's most dangerous corridors during heavy rain. Emergency responders have had to perform water rescues there in the past, according to a City Council resolution.

The council approved Resolution 2026-12, authorizing two solar-powered LED radar signs with flood sensors for that stretch. The signs, from Stalker Radar/Applied Concepts Inc., will warn motorists of both speed and rising water. The resolution states that flooding along Wild Horse Creek will worsen as intense rainfall events become more frequent.

If You Lose Power

Ameren Missouri customers can report outages online at ameren.com/outage-center or by calling 800-552-7583. For text updates, text REG to AMEREN (263736). When reporting, include your exact address and note any downed trees or live wires to help crews respond faster.

How to Stay Safe Tonight

• Have multiple ways to receive warnings: a weather radio and your phone's emergency alerts.
• Avoid low-lying areas where water collects quickly.
• Stay off roads during the heaviest downpours — especially Wild Horse Creek Road and other flood-prone corridors.
• If you encounter standing water on a road, turn around.