KEARNEY, Neb.— Several counties in Central Nebraska are likely to experience a severe weather threat from 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. tonight.

The National Weather Service says storms will begin to develop at 6 p.m. and move southeast into Lincoln and Custer counties. 

By 10 p.m., the storms will be organized over Ord, Broken Bow, and North Platte and continue to move south.

Wind gusts are expected to reach 70 mph with localized hail up to the size of golf balls.

Some areas could see anywhere from 2-4 inches of rain and potentially more which may lead to flash flooding.

Due to the expected rainfall, Lincoln, Custer, Valley, Greeley, Dawson and Buffalo counties are being placed under a flood watch from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. 

The highest risk is along and northwest of a line from Lexington to Ravenna to Greeley.

Storms will continue into the evening tonight and the early hours of the morning with scattered showers and less intensity.