The Storm Prediction Center issued a severe thunderstorm watch Tuesday afternoon for parts of Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee, where forecasters warn storms may intensify through the evening. The watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CST.
In southern Illinois, the watch includes Alexander, Massac and Pulaski counties.
In western Kentucky, it covers Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall and McCracken counties.
In southeast Missouri, affected counties include Butler, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne.
In western Tennessee, the watch is in effect for Benton, Carroll, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion and Weakley counties.
Forecasters say storms developing ahead of an approaching front may produce large hail, damaging wind gusts, and possibly a tornado or two. Hail up to two inches in diameter and winds approaching 65 mph are possible in the strongest storms.
The watch area stretches across the lower Ohio and Mississippi valleys, including communities such as Paducah, Murray, and Fulton, Kentucky; Cape Girardeau, Sikeston and Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Dyersburg, Martin and Paris, Tennessee.
Residents are urged to stay alert for additional warnings and be prepared to seek shelter quickly if severe weather approaches.
