Residents across the Middle and Upper Mississippi and Ohio Valleys are bracing for potentially severe thunderstorms today and Friday as a strong low-pressure system tracks across the Upper Midwest. The National Weather Service has issued alerts,

The main threats with severe storms this weekend are damaging winds and large hail. While the tornado threat is low, it could increase in the late evening hours of each day, according to the NWS. Severe storms are possible in Fort Worth this weekend. National Weather Service Fort Worth

Very large hail is the main concern, but strong wind gusts and a stray tornado are possible with the strongest storms too

By Tuesday, a heavy rain and thunderstorm pattern will sweep across eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Intense winds, hail, isolated tornadoes and flash flooding are possible Tuesday and Tuesday night, AccuWeather said.

The greatest chance of severe weather will be along the Texas Gulf Coast, where isolated large hail and damaging winds gusts are possible.

WACO, Texas — LATEST: The Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Milam, Freestone, Leon, Bell, Falls, Navarro and McLennan Counties is no longer in effect. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Robertson county is in effect until 4:45 p.m. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Limestone county was extended until 4:30 p.m.

A weather pattern bringing severe weather across Texas has caused thousands to lose power. See our power outage map.

Severe weather is likely today across Southeast Texas with thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall.

Renowned Texas meteorologist reacting to proposed NOAA budget cuts: “I'm hoping there are a lot of clear days ahead.”