The WXII 12 First Warning Weather Team is tracking a developing winter scenario that is expected to bring a period of snow and ice to parts of North Carolina this week, including the Piedmont Triad. Cold air will be in place as the storm moves in,

With recent snow events, and the approaching Winter Solstice, you may notice Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Watches, and Winter Storm Warnings being reported, as issued by the National Weather Service.

At 3:06 a.m. EST on Tuesday, the National Weather Service released an updated winter storm warning in effect until 7 a.m. EST for Mason, Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties.

It’s important to know the difference between a Winter Storm Warning, Winter Storm Watch, and a Winter Weather Advisory. Here’s what you need to know.

Central and western areas in Chippewa county, from Grand Marais to Sault Ste. Marie, remain under a winter storm warning until Thursday afternoon, Dec. 4. Weather officials expect 2-4 additional inches (6 inches in total) of snow with 30 mph wind gusts. The heaviest snow will fall near Sault Ste. Marie and Whitefish Point.

Highs on Thursday will be a bit milder in the upper 40s for the Foothills to lower 50s eastward in the Piedmont Triad. While sunny skies will be with us through early Thursday, there is another chance of cold rain and wintry mix heading our way for Friday morning.

A winter weather advisory was released by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 12:36 p.m. valid for Thursday between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. for Wayne and Cayuga counties.