The most extensive severe weather outbreak of the early spring is unfolding across the southern and midwestern United States Tuesday afternoon and is expected to continue through the evening.

Areas from the lower Mississippi Valley to the Ohio Valley are at risk for the potent storms, which carry the risk of damaging winds, hail, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes. Wind gusts may reach up to 70-80 mph.

Cities in the risk area during Tuesday afternoon include, Houston; Little Rock, Arkansas; Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

“Powerful thunderstorms containing damaging winds, hail, flooding downpours and isolated tornadoes will impact areas from northeastern Texas to central Indiana,” warned AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Michael Doll.

Into the evening hours, the storms will track east and could impact cities such as Jackson, Mississippi; Nashville, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky.

3:07 p.m. CDT Tuesday:

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado is approaching Dayton, Ohio. This thunderstorm may also bring large hail, strong winds and heavy downpours.

2:55 p.m. CDT Tuesday:

A severe thunderstorm is moving through St. Louis and is producing hail as large as quarters. The storms are moving east and should clear the city by the Tuesday evening commute.

2 p.m. CDT Tuesday:

A tornado watch has been issued for areas from central Ohio through Arkansas. People in this area should be on alert and take shelter when a severe thunderstorm approaches.

10:30 a.m. CDT Tuesday:

Heavy rain is causing flash flooding around parts of Indiana this morning, including near Indianapolis.

The Indiana Department of Transportation reported several road closures due to flooding, including portions of state highways 257 and 256.

With about 3.12 inches of rain, Indianapolis set a new daily rainfall record for the month of April. The old record was 3.06 inches in 2011.