A winter weather advisory is issued by the National Weather Service when a low pressure system results in a mixture of winter weather ‒ such as snow, freezing rain or sleet – that can be hazardous. This combination does not meet the criteria of a warning.

A winter storm watch alerts the public to the possibility of heavy snow, freezing rain or sleet. Winter Storm watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours ahead of predicted severe weather.

On Sunday at 2:02 a.m. a winter storm watch was released by the National Weather Service valid from Monday 1 p.m. until Wednesday 7 a.m. for Southern Erie and Crawford County.

The big weather story arrives. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for much of Upper Michigan from 1 p.m. Sunday until 7 p.m. Monday, along with a TV6 First Alert Weather Day for the same timeframe. Moderate to heavy snow is expected to increase across the U.

The National Weather Service issues a variety of weather warnings and advisories. Here's what they mean in Michigan.

On Sunday at 2:21 a.m. the National Weather Service released a winter storm watch valid from Monday 7 a.m. until Tuesday 7 p.m. for Warren and McKean counties.

A winter storm watch has been issued in the Twin Cities, where heavy snow is expected to fall across much of Sunday, while strong winds could bring blizzard conditions to central parts of Minnesota.

With winter weather expected to hit Pennsylvania on Friday, PennDOT and turnpike officials are advising drivers to use caution and stay off the roads if possible.