Tornadoes and thunderstorms are sweeping across areas of the South and Midwest of the United States, leaving a trail of destruction and tens of thousands of homes without power. Flash flooding is expected to follow the violent storms as the National Weather Service warns of a threat to life.

When a warning is issued, take action. This means tornado conditions are imminent and have been spotted either by someone on the ground or by radar. Warning areas are typically smaller than those within a watch and are issued for a shorter time period, typically about 15 minutes.

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

Today's weather is anticipated to be much like Wednesday's with severe weather of all types "on the table," the National Weather Service in North Little Rock said.

Yet again, another round of severe weather is set to threaten the central U.S. with damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes starting late Tuesday and continuing through Thursday.

The night befor the Midwest is expected to be hit by a storm, NWS ended its foreign-language translation services contract, according to Bloomberg.

Staying informed about the forecast and knowing what to do before and during an event saves lives. Here are some things you need to know to stay safe.

Parts of eastern North Texas are under a flood watch until 6 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather service.

The National Weather Service office in Memphis has issued a flood watch through Sunday morning and more thunderstorms are possible Friday and over the weekend. At least five people have already died, with more injured and countless homes and businesses damaged or destroyed, due to storms that have swept through the region this week.

An updated tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 5:07 a.m. in effect until 10 a.m. The watch is for Johnson, Wyandotte, Jackson, Linn, Miami, Adair, Bates, Carroll,