The National Weather Service is warning area residents of severe thunderstorms and high winds developing in western-Missouri today.

Meteorologist Chris Bowman says the storm is developing in eastern-Kansas, but is swiftly heading toward the KMMO listening area. Bowman says high winds and even some hail could be on its way.

The storm is expected to arrive early Friday afternoon, and could stick around until the evening. Bowman also says the low humidity and high winds could create critical fire weather conditions.

The severe weather should travel through the area by the end of the day, making its way through the southeastern part of the United States.