The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla. has issued a tornado watch to include Story County until 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Storms located in eastern Nebraska have produced severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings this afternoon.

The NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook reports that “severe thunderstorms are expected to affect the outlook area late this evening into tonight. Golf ball sized hail and damaging wind gusts to 65 mph will be possible. Localized heavy rainfall will also be possible.

A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. The National Weather Service issues them well in advance of actual severe weather, according to a posting on its website.

Information about the university’s tornado procedures are available on the Department of Environmental Health and Safety’s website.

The Iowa State Daily will continue to watch for updates from the National Weather Service and will post new information as it becomes available. Information will also be available on our Facebook and Twitter pages.