The National Weather Service has issued a variety of winter weather products ahead of a snowstorm that’ll bring accumulating snow to the Mid Atlantic this weekend.

 

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued from Missouri through Illinois and Indiana. Here, heavy snow in excess of 6″ is expected to fall. A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. The National Weather Service advises that if one must travel in the Winter Storm Warning zone, they should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

Winter Storm Watches have been issued for portions of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. Most of these watches begin Saturday morning.  A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. People inside a Winter Storm Watch zone should continue to monitor evolving forecasts; the Watch could be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory as the storm threat materializes.




A Winter Weather Advisory is up for a broad area being impacted by this system with lighter snowfall amounts. The National Weather Service will issue Winter Weather Advisories when periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. The National Weather Service cautions people in the advisory area to expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities; they recommend that people under the advisory use caution while driving.