EDT on Sunday, the National Weather Service released a tornado warning in effect until 7:15 p.m. EDT for Livingston and Shiawassee counties.

EDT the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning in effect until 6:15 p.m. EDT for Ionia and Kent counties.

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

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

FIRST ALERT: Storms later tonight through Monday morning. Damaging winds are possible (midnight through 4 a.m.) and tornado risk. That line will move toward our region through the late evening and, if it holds together, could bring us a quick-moving shot of strong to severe storms right around midnight.

The Storm Prediction Center upgraded Southeast Michigan to an enhanced (level 3 of 5) risk on Sunday morning, which means that there was a “high confidence” of scattered to numerous severe storms with “damaging winds, severe hail, and/or tornado tornadoes.”

Severe weather is likely for the Tri-State tonight as a Tornado Watch is out until 1 am as a line of severe thunderstorms marches toward us.

The entire Metro Detroit area is under severe weather warnings Sunday evening with lines of storms rolling through the area.

Livingston County was under a tornado warning beginning Sunday, March 30, at 6:39 p.m. and expected to last until 7:15 p.m.

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