On Sunday at 5:06 p.m. EDT the National Weather Service released a tornado warning in effect until 5:30 p.m. EDT for Branch County.

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

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.”

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

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.

Heavy rain continues to pour down on Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, but much of the tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings have passed.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning southwestern Franklin County, northern Fayette County, northwestern Pickaway County and southern Madison County.

Weather balloon releases — tracking temperature, pressure and wind speed — have been suspended or reduced in the Midwest and Great Plains.