ST. LOUIS – Tornado warnings in the St. Louis area have been cleared as of 8 p.m. Saturday.

A strong storm system slammed through the region fro several hours. St. Louis City, St. Louis County, plus many neighboring counties on both sides were under tornado warnings around the 6 p.m. hour.

Severe weather threats were abundant Saturday, mainly in the form of strong winds, hail and thunderstorms.

Strong instability up in the mid-levels of the atmosphere made for some dangerous and destructive hail, but mostly to the west. Some fell in sizes up to 2.5 inches, close to tennis ball or baseball sizes.

A tornado watch remains in effect across the St. Louis region through 10 p.m. Saturday. The watch includes most St. Louis metro counties on both sides of the state, according to the National Weather Service.

During a tornado watch, atmospheric conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop, but a tornado has not yet been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

If a tornado warning is issued, a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and there is imminent danger to life and property. In that case, seek shelter immediately.

Some severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood warnings are still in effect for the St. Louis metro. Watch FOX 2 News at 9 and 10 p.m. Saturday for more updates on the tornado-warned storms and potential damages.