'Severe' Thunderstorms, Possible Tornadoes Expected in Seven States Friday

Large portions of the central United States are on the lookout for serious storms Friday, which could include dangerous hail and wind, along with potential tornadoes.

The most severe weather is possible in seven states, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.

"Severe thunderstorms are expected from the southern Plains to the Midwest this afternoon into tonight," the official NWS X/Twitter account said Friday morning. "Severe storm hazards may include very large hail, severe wind gusts, and tornadoes. Additionally, storms could produce heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding."

Where are the worst conditions expected?

The latest intel from the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma is forecasting "scattered severe thunderstorms" for parts of the southern and central Plains into the Ozarks and Midwest.

These storms will run from mid afternoon through tonight.

"The greatest potential for a few strong tornadoes and very large hail should exist across eastern portions of Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska into western Arkansas/Missouri and southern Iowa," the Storm Prediction Center said.

Tragedy has already struck in Oklahoma

Some heavy storms, including tornadoes, have already struck in parts of the region. According to reports, a 47-year-old mother and her 13-year-old daughter were killed in a tornado in northern Oklahoma Thursday night.

"Officials with the Major County Sheriff’s Office reported that a woman was driving west of Fairview, near State Highway 60 and 243 and she lost contact with who she was speaking with over the phone in the area," reported KOCO 5 News.

"The two were reported missing earlier in the night, and just after 11:50 p.m. Thursday, [Major County Sheriff Tony] Robinson confirmed the deaths."

Several tornadoes have also already been reported in southern Kansas, among other places. If you're in the line of these storms, stay safe.