A tornado warning has been issued for five counties in Missouri, Thursday.
According to NBC News, National Weather Service officials have warned residents of Dallas, Hickory and Polk counties that the first significant tornado of the season is headed for The Show-Me State.
An additional tornado warning for southern Benton and Northern Hickory counties was released via the NWS Springfield Twitter account, instructing residents to take the necessary precautions.
"People in southern Benton and Northern Hickory Counties need to take cover at this time," weather officials posted.
At least four other states are currently under tornado watch as well, including Arkansas, Tennessee, Kansas and Oklahoma.
The NWS initially released a tornado warning for central and western Arkansas, along with Southern Missouri, until about 6 p.m. EST. But now, forecasters are predicting harsh weather into the late evening.
Missouri residents should be wary of rapidly developing thunderstorms on Thursday. The stormy weather is slated to continue to develop along a cold front that stretches deep into western Missouri.
Tennis ball-sized hail will most likely fall, with winds higher than 70 miles per hour and a few possible tornadoes along the way.
All regions of Missouri should expect tornadoes and stormy weather to persist through the night.
NBC News reported that severe thunderstorms shot large balls of hail into St. Louis and Kansas on Wednesday, leaving motorists and commuters stranded by flash floods in some areas.
Around 100 houses in St. Louis sustained minor damage from the hard-falling frozen rain.
A tornado has already hit St. Louis early Thursday, NBC reported.
People in southern Benton and Northern Hickory Counties need to take cover at this time. #mowx #midmowx #midmo pic.twitter.com/9zZwVLIz47
— NWS Springfield (@NWSSpringfield) April 3, 2014
