Hundreds of severe storms are expected from the Plains to the East Coast this week, with high-risk zones for tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail. Some dangerous twisters may occur after dark.

As spring approaches, we can expect more severe storms, which can bring deadly lightning strikes. While summer is the busiest season for storms, springtime brings greater activity as temperatures rise and thunderstorm frequency increases.

On Tuesday at 6:52 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 7:15 p.m. The warning is for Wyandotte, Clay, Jackson and Platte counties.

An equally important element of severe weather preparedness is having a way to receive weather alerts, including watches and warnings. Aside from having apps on your smartphone like the KQ2 Stormtracker Weather App,

Another underestimated hazard is blowing dust. Spring wind events can produce sudden dust storms that reduce visibility to near zero, leading to deadly highway pileups. The weather service routinely issues high‑wind and fire‑weather warnings during spring, especially in the central United States.

Tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds: What's in KC's severe weather forecast and what's still uncertain

A threat of severe weather across the nation's midsection continued Saturday, a day after powerful storms whipped up tornadoes that killed four people in southern Michigan and two people in eastern Oklahoma.

Parts of North Texas saw strong to severe thunderstorms on Tuesday night as a line of storms moved through the area. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued at different points in the night,

The WGAL News 8 Storm Team is tracking a chance of strong to severe thunderstorms, making Wednesday an Impact Day.

Major storms that whipped up tornadoes in parts of Illinois and Indiana on Tuesday leveled homes, downed trees and power lines, and overwhelmed a 911 center south of Chicago with emergency calls, according to officials.