Tornado watches issued in central Plains

Violent tornadoes possible ThursdaySTORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Tornado watches are in place in Kansas, Oklahoma and TexasA powerful storm system is forming in the central Plains regionThunderstorms and violent tornadoes are possible in the central Plains Severe weather will move across the Deep South on Friday and into SaturdayIf severe weather happens near you, we want to hear your story. Share your photos and videos with CNN iReport, but please be careful.

(CNN) -- Tornado watches were issued Thursday afternoon for portions of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas and surrounding areas as severe thunderstorms intensified and forecasters predicted tornadoes, damaging wind and hail.

The National Weather Service issued the watches, which indicate conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

Western Arkansas, southeast Kansas, extreme southwest Missouri, eastern Oklahoma and extreme northeast Texas are considered the most vulnerable regions.

This system will set the stage for severe weather over the next few days, according to CNN meteorologist Sean Morris. Large, damaging hail up to the size of softballs also will be possible with these storms.

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