Tornado warnings have been issued across parts of the Cincinnati region, with residents urged to take shelter as severe storms move through the area. Warnings were in effect until 16:00 local time for several counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

In Ohio, Clermont and Hamilton counties were under a tornado warning. In Kentucky, warnings covered Boone, Campbell, Gallatin and Kenton counties. Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland counties in Indiana were also included.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Butler, Warren, Clinton and Hamilton counties in Ohio, as well as Dearborn, Franklin, Fayette, Union and Ripley counties in Indiana.

Sirens sounded in parts of the Cincinnati area as the storms approached.

The whole of Cincinnati was under a severe thunderstorm watch until 20:00, with damaging winds the main concern. Forecasters said tornadoes could not be ruled out.

A flood watch was also in effect across much of the region through Wednesday morning.

The weather was expected to begin relatively quietly on Tuesday morning before a round of storms brought heavy rain later in the morning. A brief lull was forecast around midday, followed by a stronger area of storms during the afternoon and evening.

Forecasters warned of intense rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving about 2in (5cm) of rain in an hour, along with strong winds and a low-end tornado risk.

Further rounds of heavy rain were expected through Wednesday. Some parts of Greater Cincinnati could receive between 3in and 6in of rain from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Meteorologists said the morning storms could also influence the strength of the afternoon system. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue into early Wednesday, with further scattered storms possible on Thursday and Friday morning.