BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - A severe thunderstorm outbreak is likely in the LOWER Ohio Valley this evening. Those severe storms will move east tonight and weaken as they do. Could they still be severe when they arrive in NCWV? Yes. However, the overall threat is low, and the best locations for possible severe weather are along the Ohio River.

There’s a 40 to 50% chance of thunderstorms in the metro-east Thursday, Feb. 19 with a 20 to 30% probability of the storms becoming severe, with the possibility of tornadoes, isolated hail and damaging winds, according to the National Weather Service.

Spring feels like Thursday again as temperatures are once again well above normal. 64° just after 3:30 pm. That’s several degrees lower than Wednesday’s May-like record. This is the 11th straight day above normal in Indianapolis.

TIMELINE: Thunderstorms will enter the Miami Valley around 8 PM or so tonight and will march northeastward. The threat of storms will last through midnight tonight. During this window, some of the storms will become strong to severe. Damaging wind is the greatest threat. Large hail and/or isolated tornadoes are also possible.

Local radar remains relatively quiet, with an uptick in cells trying to initiate near the warm from in southwestern Indiana. Minimal severe threat before 5 p.m., but an overall increase in storm coverage/intensity is still expected by 8-9 p.m. as low-level wind increases to bust up an atmospheric cap that's been in place this afternoon.

A strong weather system moving across central Illinois Thursday afternoon could bring severe weather to the Chicago area through evening, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, with hail, heavy downpours, gusty winds and lightning all possible.

Warm air fuels strong to severe storms across Kentucky tonight before cooler temperatures and possible flurries move in for the weekend.

Starting around 3 p.m., the area could see dangerous winds, hail, and even the potential for isolated tornadoes.