The U.S. National Weather Service placed Douglas County under a moderate risk for severe weather Tuesday, May 24, 2011.

Midnight update

The tornado watch for Douglas County has expired. There are currently no active warnings or watches in the immediate area.

9:34 p.m. update

Changes in the storm system moving through eastern Kansas have decreased the possibility of a tornado in the area. According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, the storm has changed from super cell form, which is more likely to produce tornadoes, into a more linear storm. The primary threat from the current system is strong and potentially damaging winds.

Tornadoes are still possible but less likely. The tornado watch for Douglas County remains in effect until midnight.

8:30 p.m. update

A storm cell producing thunder and lightning moved through the Lawrence area this evening and left only rain in its wake.

Several other storm cells are in the area, though the strongest storms remain west of Salina, moving east. There should be a break between the first line of storms and that second, stronger line.

All counties in northeast Kansas are now under a tornado watch.

Check LJWorld.com for updates.

7:55 p.m. update

The National Weather Service in Topeka has put out a significant weather statement for western Douglas County, forecasting heavy rain and strong winds of between 40 and 50 mph.

According to their statement, through 8:15 p.m., residents of western Douglas County as well as parts of Shawnee, Osage, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Riley and Jefferson counties should expect to see stormy conditions, though not at levels warranting a severe thunderstorm warning.

Conditions, however, can change. Remain alert to the weather. A tornado watch remains in effect until midnight.

Check back for updates.

5:27 p.m. update

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a tornado watch for Douglas County, as well as points north, south and west until midnight tonight.

According to the weather service, there is a moderate risk of large tornadoes and damaging winds, as well as a high risk of severe hail.

A strong line of storms is moving through southern Kansas and Oklahoma and several tornadoes have touched down. There have been reports of a half-mile wide tornado in Oklahoma.

These storms are expected to move north and east as the evening wears on.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, but none have been reported in this area at this time. Stay tuned to local media and the NOAA weather radios for updates on this potentially dangerous storm system.

Check back at LJWorld.com for updates.

8:30 a.m. update

Scattered thunderstorms are possible in Douglas County Tuesday morning before the threat for severe weather increases Tuesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Douglas County has been placed under a moderate risk for severe weather. The NWS forecasts storms will likely develop between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes are possible. According to the NWS, strong tornadoes are possible due to the strength and instability of the storm system.

Heavy rainfall could also cause flooding in northern Kansas.

Check back with LJWorld.com for updates.