NEBRASKA - Extreme weather is targeting Nebraska on Thursday and into Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for 26 counties in Eastern Nebraska lasting until midnight. Meanwhile, Northwest Nebraska is expecting snow. A Winter Weather Advisory starts at 9:00 p.m. for three counties in the Chadron area.

A strong cold front will push east through the region triggering thunderstorms that could be severe especially across eastern Nebraska," NCN chief forecaster Kent Boughton said. "Low pressure on the backside of the front will draw moisture into the Panhandle in the form of snow. A dry line associated with the front shows a greater risk of 30% for hail in the Columbus to Omaha area. Tornado risk in same area around 5% and damaging wind possibilities of 15%."

The NWS expects storms to reach the Omaha and Lincoln areas between 7:00-8:00 and stretch into extreme southeast Nebraska by 8:00-9:00. Severe Thunderstorm watches and warnings will be likely during these times.

Weather officials encourage people to be weather aware and to take shelter if necessary.