NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The National Weather Service in North Platte issued a Tornado Warning Sunday evening for portions of southwestern Cherry County, western Grant County, northeastern Garden County and southeastern Sheridan County.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m.

At 5:16 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located about nine miles south of Ellsworth, or 33 miles east of Alliance, moving east at 20 mph. Weather spotters confirmed a funnel cloud associated with the storm.

The storm is capable of producing a tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter. Residents are warned that flying debris could be dangerous to anyone caught outside without shelter. Significant damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, vehicles and trees is likely.

The storm is expected to remain over mainly rural areas but will impact locations including Watson Lake, Bingham, Patterson Lake, Dominick Lake, Finnegan Lake, Swede Lake, Jerry Lake, Britton Lake, Spring Valley Lake and Kincaid Lake. Portions of Highway 250 near mile marker 1, Highway 2 between mile markers 111 and 147 and Highway 61 between mile markers 140 and 160 are also included.

Additionally, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued at 5:24 p.m. for southwestern Cherry County and north central Grant County. At 5:23 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was reported near Hyannis, moving north at 35 mph. Trained weather spotters confirmed quarter-size hail near Hyannis. Damage to vehicles is expected, and impacted areas include Hyannis and Duluth, as well as sections of Highway 2 and Highway 61.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the Nebraska Panhandle, north central and west central Nebraska until 11 p.m.

The National Weather Service urges all residents in the warned areas to take cover immediately by moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and to avoid windows.