The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in five area counties today.

The counties of Johnson, Carroll, Lafayette, Pettis, and Saline are under the effect of the watch. A tornado watch indicates that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, but a tornado hasn’t been spotted yet.

The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office has advised that FEMA tornado shelters are open during the watch.

The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Monday, May 19.