A large portion of the Denver area was under a tornado watch on Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

The watch, which is in effect until 9 p.m. Mountain time, also included parts of northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska.

Parts of Denver were previously under a more severe tornado warning, which expired at 4:30 p.m. Mountain time. The Weather Service said a severe thunderstorm “capable of producing a tornado” was detected about 14 miles southeast of Denver in Aurora and is moving northeast at about 25 m.p.h.

Hail up to two inches in diameter was possible along with strong winds that could cause trees to topple and damage homes, windows, roofs and vehicles.

The Weather Service urged people to take cover and move to a basement or the lowest level possible in a building.

“Avoid windows,” forecasters said. “If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”

Heat and moisture moved into the region on Wednesday and combined with low atmospheric pressure to create the thunderstorms, forecasters said. The storms were likely to continue shifting eastward overnight and more rain and thunderstorms are expected on Thursday.

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