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

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chad Hahn with the National Weather Service Des Moines Office 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.

Hahn 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.

KNIA/KRLS is on the air for any severe thunderstorm or tornado warning for any portion of Marion and Warren Counties.