The changes are to make the maps easier to understand and more precise.

The update adds multiple levels of visual “hatching” that distinguish the potential power of storms, rather than only the probability that they will occur. According to the National Weather Service, the revised maps separate the likelihood of storms from their possible severity,

Starting today (March 3) the Storm Prediction Center (based in Norman, Okla.) will have the ability to add a new layer of detail to what it calls its convective outlooks, which outline the areas under risk for severe weather on a particular day (Tuesday’s convective outlook is at the top of this post).

When severe storms are in the forecast, WRAL’s Severe Weather Team works to let you know the severity of the storm. Starting Tuesday, the maps will soon have more details showing the severe risks across the United States.

A severe weather outbreak is devastating parts of the Plains and Midwest, where at least 6 were killed on Friday evening amid damaging tornadoes and “monster” hail.

Authorities say at least four people are dead and several others injured after suspected tornadoes swept through southwestern Michigan. In Branch County, the sheriff said a suspected tornado in the Union Lake area left three people dead and at least 12 people injured,