Several damaging tornadoes and grapefruit-sized hail struck Illinois and Indiana late Tuesday amid a widespread severe weather outbreak across the central U.S.

We tracked powerful thunderstorms as they brought damaging tornadoes to parts of the Plains and Midwest Friday.

Violent storms are a growing danger for much of the U.S. Forecasters hope a new tool can keep more people safe. (AP Photo)

Some unverified reports, citing local scanners, claimed authorities had declared a “mass casualty incident” and reported fatalities.

A large and violent tornado has caused serious damage on the ground in Union City, Michigan. Reports and pictures have come out showing the widespread damage, but no reports on the number of fatalities. The National Weather Service (NWS) final warning covered Three Rivers and Centreville, Michigan, an area of over 18,000 people.

One storm near Kankakee, Illinois, produced a large, destructive tornado Tuesday. It also produced what will likely go down as a record hailstone for the state. It looked like something out of a weather textbook. Let's show you the moments we knew ...

Learn the difference between a tornado watch and a warning and get simple tips to stay safe when severe storms strike.

Another chance of strong to severe thunderstorms exists Tuesday night. The tornado risk is highest near the Indiana state line and I-94 corridor.

Officials say several tornadoes have torn through parts of Illinois and Indiana, downing trees and power lines in an area south of Chicago and overwhelming the 911 center with emergency calls