Several counties across Michigan are under winter weather alerts due to the chance of accumulating snow.
Winter Storm Watch
A winter storm watch has been issued for the following counties from 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, through Thursday morning:
- Huron County
- Sanilac County
Heavy lake effect snow is expected in these areas, with accumulations of 5-7 inches possible by Thursday morning.
Winter Weather Advisory
A winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday through 1 a.m. Thursday for the following counties:
- Alpena County
- Presque Isle County
These areas are expected to get snow accumulations of 2-4 inches, with the potential for locally higher amounts, according to the National Weather Service.
The following counties are under a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. on Thursday:
- Benzie County
- Grand Traverse County
- Leelanau County
- Manistee County
- Wexford County
The NWS said snow accumulations of 3-7 inches are possible in these areas, with the potential for locally higher amounts.
- Mason County
- Muskegon County
- Oceana County
The snow in the counties listed above is expected to be locally heavy, with blowing and drifting conditions. Accumulations of 6-8 inches are possible along and west of U.S. 31, according to the NWS.
The following counties are under a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. on Wednesday:
- Alger County
- Baraga County
- Luce County
- Marquette County
- Northern Schoolcraft County
- Western Chippewa County
Snow accumulations of 1-3 inches are expected in Western Chippewa County, while accumulations of up to 2 inches are possible for the other counties listed above.
Here's the difference between a winter storm watch and a winter weather advisory, according to the National Weather Service:
- "A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur...it only means it is possible."
- "A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning."