A few tornadoes, along with widespread, apple-size hail and gusts up to 70 mph, are likely as severe thunderstorms sweep into the Kansas City area.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of the Kansas City metro ahead of a strong line of storms expected to impact the area Monday afternoon.

A Tornado Watch is now in effect for areas along and west of Hwy. 65. This includes Springfield. The watch runs through 9 pm. Additional watches will likely be issued for areas further east later

EDT the National Weather Service issued an updated tornado watch in effect until Friday at 3 a.m. EDT for Calhoun, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Isabella and Jackson counties.

Millions of people in the Midwest and Great Plains are in the path of numerous severe thunderstorms expected on Monday. Kansas City is expecting winds up to 50 MPH and half-dollar-sized hail that could damage roofs or cars.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tornado Watch for the entire Kansas City area until 9 p.m. Monday.

EDT the National Weather Service released an updated tornado watch in effect until 3 a.m. EDT for Arenac and Iosco counties.

A strong storm system will move through the region Monday and bring the threat for more rain and severe weather.

In what has historically been known as Tornado Alley — a designation that typically includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas — the peak of tornado season is May into early June. But the season starts earlier in what's often called Dixie Alley, made up of southern states such as Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.