The national weather service issues watches and warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. What's worse? What do they mean?

These areas face a significant threat of potentially destructive winds that could cause widespread power outages and tree damage.

Here is some clarity on tornado watch and warning distinctions amid increased weather risks during the spring.

EDT on Sunday, the National Weather Service released an updated tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m. EDT for Branch County.

With the threat of storms capable of producing tornadoes overnight, the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 5 am Monday. Counties included in the watch are Colbert, Franklin,

The Storm Prediction Center continues to forecast a Level 3 out of 5 (enhanced) risk for severe weather today across a large part of Alabama. A Level 3 risk means that numerous severe storms will be possible. A broken line of storms was impacting parts of northern Alabama early Monday morning and moving to the south and east.

A strong round of severe storms could roll through many parts of Kentucky and Southern Indiana area Sunday. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sunday is a Weather Impact Alert Day. The main threat of severe storms will hit the area beginning in the evening and overnight hours.

A Tornado Watch continues for central Indiana until 8pm. Large hail up to 1″ diameter, damaging straight-line winds near 60 miles per hour and heavy downpours up to 1″ are likely.

The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing watches, warnings and advisories to alert the public when dangerous weather conditions are expected.