A lake-effect snow warning and winter weather advisory are now in effect across Northeast Ohio as heavy snow, blowing snow and poor visibility threaten travel throughout the weekend.

At the lowest level you have a watch. The National Weather Service says a watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of winter weather warnings and advisories for incoming winter weather affecting more than a dozen states nationwide. The alerts come on the heels of a bout of extreme winter weather that swept across large portions of the country just last week.

At least 16 states are under winter storm warnings or winter weather advisories on Wednesday. Follow Newsweek live.

As winter weather sets in for Michigan, residents are sure to hear a number of unfamiliar weather terms, warnings and other information — some that could provide life-saving information if you understand what they mean. A winter storm watch was in place ...