Several Illinois counties are under a tornado watch as a storm moves northward through the state.

A series of severe storms triggered tornado warnings and tornado watches in much of central and northern Illinois on March 19, moving out of the area by late evening. The storms caused a smattering of power outages in northwest Indiana and widespread damage across the Chicagoland area.

Much of U.S. on high alert as 'dangerous' system tracks east, spinning up tornadoes, flood risk

A life-threatening outbreak of long-lived and strong tornadoes is expected today in parts of the central and eastern US from a powerful, wide-reaching spring storm.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has expanded a Tornado Watch for central Illinois on Wednesday. The watch is in effect until 10 a.m. CDT for most of the WAND viewing area.

Multiple counties are under a Tornado Watch until 4 p.m. Wednesday with more counties expected be go under watches later today.

Up to 59 million from Texas to Michigan are under severe storm risk as heavy rains, flash flooding and strong tornadoes are forecast to hit the lower Ohio Valley and the mid-South.

A powerful, wide-reaching spring storm is threatening parts of the central and eastern US, with a life-threatening outbreak of long-lived and strong tornadoes possible in some areas. Follow here for live updates.