Friday's live blog: Tornado emergenct declared amid severe storm outbreak

Severe storms have been ongoing since Thursday as a strong low pressure impacts the Plains. Tornadoes, damaging winds, hail, and flooding are all expected. This live blog will be updated throughout the day to bring you the latest information.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to persist and advance northeastward across the Plains throughout the afternoon and into the evening. The potential for tornado formation is set to increase as night falls, further exacerbating the already perilous conditions.

A rain-wrapped tornado was spotted by Weather & Radar storm chasers just north of Redfield, Miss. Rain-wrapped tornadoes are tornadoes that are often camouflaged or hidden within heavy rain. They can be as equally powerful as a non-rain-wrapped tornado, but can often be more dangerous as they are harder to see. You can follow along the chase in the live stream feed at the top of this blog.

Reports continue on social media of a large wedge tornado tracking northwest across Council Bluffs, Omaha. This is a very dangerous tornado impacting residential areas. People in the affected areas are urged to seek shelter immediately.

A wedge tornado has left a trail of destruction in Elkhorn, just west of Relevant Community Church. Emergency rescue teams are rushing to the scene.

Tornado Emergency continues for Blair, Neb., Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Fort Calhoun, Neb. until 4:30 p.m. CDT amid reports of a large and destructive wedge tornado ripping across residential communities.

BREAKING: A Potentially Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Warning is active in Lincoln, Neb. Check out the footage below for this monster of a tornado! Storm chasers rush to the rescue after tornado flips semi-truck on interstate.

Timing is everything today when it comes to being prepared for the severe weather headed in your direction. Heads up in Iowa as the storm line makes it in throughout the afternoon and evening hours.

Meteorologist Mary Mays was just live going over the severe storm threat. See the replay below to get the latest information!

Clearing skies means more energy to support storm development this afternoon. Another tornado watch is expected soon, but this time up in eastern Nebraska as the sun begins to shine and the clouds move away.

Many of these Texas storms are packing a lightning-filled punch and are moving into heavy residential areas. Keep your eyes on the sky.

It's going to be a busy day! The next tornado watch has been issued for northeast Texas as storms tap into the available energy and temperatures rise. Have at least three ways to receive a warning! The lunch hour is coming up...

Dallas, Waco, and Tyler, Texas, residents need to be on alert.

A tornado watch has been issued as severe storms ramp up early this morning.

An enhanced risk for severe weather has been issued in the central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley, with a slight risk extending all the way down to Texas. Severe storms have been happening since yesterday and during the overnight hours as a slow-moving system slams the central U.S.

Have your alerts switched on and have at least three ways to receive a weather warning.