The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for much of eastern Kansas, including Douglas, Franklin, Jefferson and Leavenworth counties. The tornado watch is in effect until 5 a.m. Saturday.

At 3:53 a.m., a severe thunderstorm warning was issued. The storm, capable of producing quarter-size hail and gusts of 60 mph, is moving across Kansas at 75 mph. Shortly before 4, the storm was 22 miles west of Ottawa, moving northeast. The thunderstorm warning lasts until 4:30 a.m., and is expected to affect Douglas and Franklin counties.

The bulletin lists the following locations as those expected to be affected by the storm: Ottawa, Centropolis, Globe, Rantoul, Lone Star, Clinton, Clinton Lake, Pleasant Grove, Baldwin City, Clinton State Park, Wellsville, Vinland, southeast Lawrence and Eudora. The Kansas Turnpike, between mile markers 200 and 206 is listed, as is Interstate 35, between mile markers 158 and 199

The National Weather Service warns that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes quickly.