After an extended period of quieter weather, storms will return to the middle of the nation through this weekend.

A series of disturbances will pass through the Plains and Midwest over the next several days. Today's main focus will be near the center of a developing system in the north-central U.S.

The main focus for today's storms will be from eastern Nebraska through Iowa, northern Missouri, and southern Minnesota, where the Storm Prediction Center has placed Slight and Enhanced Risks for severe weather. This includes Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., and Des Moines, Iowa.

Large hail is the main concern with these storms as they develop this evening and tonight, but damaging winds and a few tornadoes are also possible.

For Friday through Sunday, a slow, sagging cold front will find itself draped across the Midwest and south-central U.S. This will be where most severe storms develop heading into the weekend. Much of the severe activity will take the form of clusters of damaging wind and hail, but a few tornadoes could also develop each day.

The repeated days of storms over the same regions will also introduce the risk for flooding and flash flooding Friday through Sunday. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches or more are likely from north-central Texas to the Middle Mississippi Valley and Indiana.

Be sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that all the ingredients for severe weather to take place are there, while a warning indicates that the severe weather has already formed, and you should take action to keep your friends and family safe. Be sure to stay up to date with your latest local forecasts, and check WeatherBug frequently for any alerts that may be issued.