Severe weather awareness week continues with a focus on the different watches and warnings that are issued during the spring and summer.

Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service Des Moines Office Jeff Johnson says a watch is issued several hours in advance of any severe thunderstorm, tornado, or flooding event, and means conditions are favorable for the development of those modes of weather, and covers a wide area of counties.

Johnson says a warning means a threat is imminent, and that severe conditions have been detected by radar, a storm spotter, or reports to their office, and focuses on a smaller area, where the impacts can be anticipated.

The statewide tornado drill has been cancelled this week. KNIA/KRLS is on the air for any severe thunderstorm or tornado warning for any portion of Marion and Warren Counties. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service will focus on tornadoes.