LIVE BLOG: Severe weather enters the Kansas City metro [Video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Severe storms began firing up Friday afternoon, with a greater risk for the metro expected late afternoon and evening.

Follow our Live Blog throughout the evening as we bring you the latest warnings, watches, and any storm damage across the metro.

At 8:42 p.m., The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down 7 miles southwest of Montrose, Mo., in Bates County. It caused damage to a structure near Appleton City Lake. Downed trees are also blocking Highway 52 west of Appleton City near the St. Clair County line. A nearby fire department also reported the tornado could be seen east of Rich Hill. Weaker tornadoes were reportedly seen in a path headed from the southwest to the northeast before the reports of damages were made.

It was also confirmed that a weak tornado was reported by a nearby fire department about 2 miles southwest of Skidmore, Mo.

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At 8 p.m., the …