Thunderstorms risk rises in US Midwest with millions under tornado watch and severe weather alerts

Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact parts of the US Midwest, with forecasters warning of further dangerous weather after days of tornadoes and flooding.

The National Weather Service said storms could develop from north-west Oklahoma through western Missouri on Friday afternoon and evening.

The system may produce large hail, with stones potentially reaching the size of a baseball.

The agency warned that hail can fall at speeds of up to 107mph and advised residents to stay indoors and away from windows during severe weather.

According to CNN, around 26 million people are under tornado watches stretching from Wisconsin to Oklahoma.

The outlet also reported that a rare “particularly dangerous situation” alert had been issued for one tornado in Illinois and two in Wisconsin.

Storm damage has already been reported across several states. The severe conditions follow a week of extreme weather in the region.

Flash flooding in Milwaukee left drivers stranded and roads closed, while a man in Waukesha died after being struck by lightning.