Spring has just sprung, and the severe thunderstorms that come with it aren't wasting any time arriving.
A large storm complex bringing rain and snow nearly everywhere west of the Rockies is expected to strengthen and move across the Plains and into the South.
RELATED: Storm Shield app provides life-saving weather alerts
The first thunderstorms will develop on Thursday afternoon, and the best chance for large hail, strong winds and even a tornado will come between the Texas Panhandle and southwest Nebraska.
The chances for widespread severe storms increase on Friday across parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and into Mississippi.
The severe thunderstorms may continue their march across the South into the weekend as well.
It's already been an active year for severe weather with an exceptional number of tornado, wind and hail reports across the United States.
The number of tornadoes this year is already outpacing the last three years combined. There haven't been this many tornadoes this early in the year since 2012. Before that, 2008 was the last time there were this many tornadoes at this point in the year.
Follow Storm Shield Meteorologist Jason Meyersvia the Storm Shield appon Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Download the Storm Shield Weather Radio App for your iPhone or Android device and get severe weather alerts wherever you are. Named by Time.com one of the best weather apps for your iPhone.
