The Lawrence area has been pelted by heavy rain and pea-sized hail this afternoon, and more severe weather could be on the way, says Jennifer Schack, 6News meteorologist.

“We’re in a tornado watch for Douglas County until 6 p.m.,” Schack said. “Kansas City has it until 10 p.m. So it has been extended just a little longer to the region just to the east of us. But we think severe weather should be out by 7 to 8 or a little after, when the back line of storms move through.”

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A line of storms pushed through Douglas County just after 2 p.m.

“We had no severe weather reported with the leading edge in the viewing area, although we did have heavy downpours, 45-mph gusting winds and pea-sized hail, ” Schack said.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has announced multiple tornado warnings throughout the state this afternoon and has reported two tornadoes, Schack said.

“But I haven’t seen any indication of a tornado on the ground yet,” she said.

She said the Lawrence area will have a break for a few hours before another line of storms moves through.

“The middle line of storms seems to be fading out slightly,” she said. “We should have another round in the afternoon, but not as strong. Then we have a chance for strong storms again in the evening.”

The National Weather Service has also issued a wind advisory from noon to 6 p.m. today for much of central and eastern Kansas, including Douglas County, Schack said.

South winds are expected at 25 to 35 mph, gusting up to 45 mph, she said.

“Make sure you secure that lawn furniture and your garbage cans,” Schack said. The National Weather Service said that the high winds can topple trees, blow weakened roofs off houses and down power lines.

At 3:10 p.m., the temperature at Lawrence Municipal Airport was 64 degrees, the humidity was 90 percent and winds were from the south at 17 mph, gusting to 26 mph.

This morning’s low temperate was 57 degrees. The average low for this dates is 41 degrees. The record low temperature for this date is 16 degrees, set in 1964.

Schack said today’s high temperature will climb to 71 degrees. The average high for this date is 62 degrees. The record high is 85 degrees, set in 1986.

Friday’s morning low temperature will be 45 degrees. Friday’s high will be 65 degrees, with clearing skies.

Saturday’s morning low will be 44 degrees, climbing to 69 degrees Saturday afternoon, with a few clouds.