Severe storms target central US; chilly temps remain in forecast for Northeast: Weather updates

A potential outbreak of severe weather threatened Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, and storms could include large hail, powerful wind gusts and a few tornadoes.

On Thursday night, multiple tornado warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for portions of Texas and southern Oklahoma. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar amid severe thunderstorm conditions.

A few tornadoes were spotted in far north and west-central Texas, and the weather service warned residents to take cover.

Elsewhere, the Northeast isn't escaping cold temperatures just yet: On Thursday, highs are expected to be stuck in the mid-50s in cities including Boston, New York, and Pittsburgh.

Earlier this week, high temperatures across the region matched the average highs for mid-to-late March, AccuWeather forecasters said.

Meanwhile, warm and dry conditions have been building across portions of the western U.S. and might bring an end to the chilly weather in the east as soon as this weekend, the outlet reported.

In California, Los Angeles and San Diego will likely get heavy rain Thursday, and travel delays are possible, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

In the central U.S., aside from the severe weather threat, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas can look ahead to some much-needed rain on both Thursday and Friday.

Tornadoes hit parts of Texas

Two tornadoes were spotted in west-central Texas in Brown County, about 100 miles northeast of San Angelo, Texas, according to the National Weather Service.

Texas law enforcement confirmed Thursday night that a tornado was near the unincorporated community of May, moving east at 35 mph. Another tornado was reported north of Brownwood, Texas.

In southeastern Clay County, near the Texas-Oklahoma border, a tornado was located by weather spotters near Bellevue, Texas, moving east at 20 mph.

The weather service warned of dangerous conditions, including flying debris and tennis ball size hail.

Severe weather threat in the southern Plains

All modes of severe weather will threaten portions of Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday afternoon and evening, AccuWeather said. Although large, damaging hail will be the main concern, strong winds and a few tornadoes are also possible.

In Texas, cities most at risk Thursday include San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth and Waco, the Storm Prediction Center said. In Oklahoma, the state capital of Oklahoma City is most at risk.

Although the severe weather won't be welcome, any rain that falls during the thunderstorms Thursday will help ease drought conditions that are plaguing portions of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Cold temps to linger in Northeast until weekend

"Unseasonably cool" weather will continue across the eastern U.S. through the work week, the National Weather Service said Wednesday.

Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Albany and Syracuse have all had high temperatures stuck in the 50s and even the 40s this week.

On Thursday, the temperatures will be slightly warmer, the weather service said.

The low-pressure system responsible for the chill will finally move into the Atlantic Ocean on Friday, giving high pressure a chance to bounce back into the region, the weather service predicts.

"The region will dry out and temperatures will return to near seasonable values over the weekend," the National Weather Service said Wednesday.

California to see more cold temps, rain

Cool weather will also move across California and then shift toward the northwest U.S. on Thursday, AccuWeather reported.

Forecasts showed rain clouds building Thursday off the coast of Southern California, and there is potential for heavy rain in both Los Angles and San Diego.

There's a 10-20% chance of thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles. The rain is expected to cause some flooding on roadways, and driving could be hazardous due to slick roads.

Thunderstorms could also bring lightning and hail, the office said.

"I would expect travel delays," Rayno said.

Mountainous areas around Los Angeles are under a winter weather advisory through Thursday evening, and several inches of snow are forecast in higher elevations.

On Thursday night, the storm system is expected to push eastward into the Mountain West and bring rain to cities such as Reno and Salt Lake City, AccuWeather said.

The weather pattern is also expected to bring cooler than average weather to Phoenix and Las Vegas, and high temperatures in Denver will settle in the mid-70s Thursday.

US weather watches and warnings

National weather radar

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thursday forecast: Tornadoes in Texas; severe storms for central U.S.