Weather & Radar's Task Force is activated! Thursday features a large risk for severe weather, stretching from the Great Plains to the Midwest and central Mississippi Valley. This blog will be updated throughout the day to keep you updated on all the latest weather forecast information and impacts.

According to WeatherRadar estimates, the ongoing derecho impacting parts of the Midwest commenced its formation in the early hours of today. Over the course of the next 12 hours, it followed an eastward trajectory, traversing through 7 states and generating close to 300 wind reports.

As the derecho continues to move into central Kentucky, it will begin to encounter more stable, storm-cooled air from thunderstorms that affected the area earlier today. That should work to weaken the derecho.

An alarming situation is unfolding across the Midwest as a powerful derecho continues to wreak havoc in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Severe thunderstorm impacts, including scattered wind, gusts over 75 mph, and golf ball-sized hail, will continue into this evening, spreading south across southern Indiana and Kentucky.

Over a quarter million people across the Plains and Midwest are without power. Toppled trees and downed branches from severe thunderstorms winds have led to widespread damage to the power grid.

The WeatherRadar is incredibly active. Are you in the path of these storms? Click on the WeatherRadar to find out! Nearly 200,000 customers are without power in Illinois from these storms and they aren't done yet.

So far, 11 locations have reported wind gusts of 75 mph or greater. Adrian, Ill., had a wind gust that clocked in at 90 mph! Keep up with the winds with the WindRadar. With winds and storms covering such a large area, a derecho is likely underway.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado until 9 pm MT. Make sure your Weather & Radar app alerts are turned on.

Weather & Radar meteorologist Becca Parker will be live on YouTube at 3:00 p.m. CT (4:00 p.m. ET) with a close look at the forecast.

As much as a moderate risk, a level four out of five, has been issued today as severe storms impact a large area in the U.S. Severe weather has been hitting since this morning. Meteorologist Mary Mays has the latest forecast.

Multiple severe thunderstorm and tornado watches have been issued today in the Midwest as two clusters of storms continues to bring damaging gusts, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. The WeatherRadar shows just how active these clusters are with the heavy rainfall and plentiful lightning.