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

CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WSIL) — A tornado watch has been issued for some southern Illinois counties until 7 p.m. tonight.

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

Our severe threat will reach us in the evening and overnight with all severe hazards possible - including wind, hail, tornado and locally heavy rains.

Spencer County Emergency Management is providing a reason why some didn't hear sirens during a tornado warning in a portion of the county Sunday night.

A tornado drill is scheduled to take place in West Virginia at the end of March. According to a press release from the National Weather Service in Charleston, West

The most immediate way to get information during dangerous weather is turning on the television. The KXAN First Warning Weather team can provide life-saving information over the air, on not one but all three of our in-house channels — KXAN-TV, KBVO-TV and KNVA-TV.

As severe weather season starts up once again, Meteorologist Christian Boteler brings the difference between the watches and warnings we see on a regular basis and why they are issued: WATCHES: Watch