VALENTINE, Neb. — The National Weather Service in North Platte issued a tornado warning Sunday night for north central Cherry County after a confirmed tornado was spotted near Merritt Reservoir.

At 10:56 p.m. CDT, weather spotters reported a tornado approximately 21 miles southwest of Valentine, moving northeast at 20 mph. The warning remains in effect until 11:45 p.m.

Officials say the storm is capable of producing a damaging tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter. The tornado is expected to remain over mainly rural areas of north central Cherry County, including Merritt Reservoir, Crookston, and the Anderson Bridge State Wildlife Management Area.

Highway impacts include stretches of Highway 20 between mile markers 170 and 195, Highway 97 between mile markers 109 and 137, and Highway 83 between mile markers 215 and 222.

The National Weather Service emphasized the danger of nighttime tornadoes, urging residents to seek immediate shelter without waiting to see or hear a funnel. Heavy rainfall may obscure the tornado, making it extremely dangerous to be caught outdoors.

If near Merritt Reservoir, officials advise moving away from the water immediately. Severe thunderstorms can produce large, capsizing waves, even on smaller bodies of water.

Residents in the warning area are urged to take cover in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.