Festus, MO Hail Storm – May 2025

What Happened

A severe hail storm moved through Festus, Missouri, on May 20, 2025, producing a peak confirmed hail size of 2 inches and a long series of radar- and spotter-verified warnings through the evening. The storm remained active into the late evening with 11 NWS alerts issued across the path.

The first warnings came at 7:53 PM CDT and 8:00 PM CDT with 1-inch hail. By 8:33 PM CDT, the alert level increased to 2-inch hail. Additional alerts followed at 8:35 PM CDT, 8:43 PM CDT, 9:28 PM CDT, 9:33 PM CDT, 9:34 PM CDT, 10:01 PM CDT, 10:26 PM CDT, and 10:43 PM CDT, with hail sizes ranging from 1 inch to 1.5 inches.

A spotter photo at 8:38 PM CDT showed 2-inch diameter hail with a measurement included. At 9:01 PM CDT, an observer reported wind gusts around 40 mph. Later reports continued to show hail embedded in the storm structure, including 1 to 3 cm stones reported at 9:40 PM CDT and quarter-size hail reports at 9:57 PM CDT. The warning stream stayed supported by radar and spotter verification through the evening.

The storm also produced a funnel cloud report at 8:04 PM CDT near Meyer Road and Highway 67, followed by an NWS storm survey at 8:02 PM CDT that found an EF-U tornado touchdown northwest of Olympian Village in Jefferson County. Tree impacts were reported soon after, including numerous trees downed at 8:18 PM CDT.

Damage Assessment

Field reports show a storm that caused more than hail alone. The earliest damage notes centered on downed trees, then expanded into corridor impacts as the storm moved east and southeast. At 8:56 PM CDT, a Facebook report described numerous downed and damaged trees along Highway DD on the Washington and Iron County line, with blockage extending for miles along that road. At 9:29 PM CDT, two trees were reported down across traffic near the US 61 and 24 split at Route F.

The hail reports were consistent with a storm that produced repeated surface strikes across the broader warning area. A measured 2-inch hail photo was followed by additional hail confirmations in the 1-inch to 1.5-inch range. The mix of hail sizes and tree damage points to more than a single isolated core. It shows a storm track with multiple impacts across the evening, including areas near Festus and along key travel routes in Jefferson County and nearby counties.

The tree damage reports were tied to specific roads and intersections, not broad wind wording. Highway DD had blocking debris over a long stretch. Route F near the US 61/24 split had traffic obstruction from downed trees. Those reports place the strongest surface impacts along transportation corridors that likely needed clearing before normal travel could resume.

What Contractors Should Know

This event produced a practical hail and debris work order mix. Roof inspections in Festus should start with south- and west-facing slopes, then move to ridges, vents, and soft metal. The repeated warning cycle and the measured 2-inch hail report support a close look at impact marks, bruising on shingles, and damage to gutter systems, downspouts, and exterior trim.