It certainly looks like Punxsutawney Phil was right when he predicted 6 more weeks of winter last week.

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West Michigan is getting ready for another snowstorm to leave behind a potential 4-8" of snow starting on Wednesday afternoon and wrapping up Thursday morning.

⬇️ Bad Weather Approved: 20 Places To Have Indoor Fun In Grand Rapids ⬇️

You might hear about winter warnings and advisory's on your radio or see them scrolling on the bottom of your tv.

Let's take a look into them and what they mean.

Important Differences Between Winter Warning and Winter Advisory

Understanding the difference between a winter warning and a winter advisory can be very important for your safety during winter weather events.

Both terms are used by the National Weather Service (NWS) to inform the public about hazardous conditions, but they indicate different levels of severity and expected impacts.

Winter Weather Advisory

Definition: A winter weather advisory is issued when wintry conditions such as snow, sleet, or freezing rain are expected, but these conditions are not severe enough to meet warning criteria.

Freezing Rain
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The advisory serves as a caution to the public about potentially hazardous weather that could cause significant inconveniences.

Woman In Snow Storm
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Conditions: Typically involves light snow accumulations (generally 2 to 5 inches), minor ice accumulation, or other wintry precipitation that may affect travel but does not pose an immediate threat to life or property.

Kids playing in snow
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Impact: Advisories suggest that while conditions may be challenging, they are manageable with caution.

Travelers should be prepared for slippery roads and reduced visibility but are not advised to avoid travel entirely.

Read More: Fun Indoors Activities For When Grand Rapids Weather Turns Bad

Winter Storm Warning

Definition: A winter storm warning is issued when severe winter weather is imminent or occurring.

Winter Ice Storm
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This includes heavy snowfall, significant ice accumulation, or a combination of both that poses a serious threat to safety.

Heavy Snow
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Conditions: Warnings are typically issued for more severe weather events, such as snow accumulations of 6 inches or more within a short period (e.g., 12 hours), or significant ice accumulation (usually at least 1/4 inch) that can lead to dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages.

Deep Snow
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Impact: A warning indicates that hazardous conditions are expected to make travel difficult or impossible in some areas.

Snowy Highway Travel
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The public is advised to take immediate precautions, including delaying travel plans until conditions improve.

Awesome Grand Rapids Spots To Enjoy When The Weather Sucks

There are so many fun things to do outside in Grand Rapids. But sometimes Mother Nature can work against those plans. When that happens, you should check out these fun indoor spots

Gallery Credit: Big Joe Pesh

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If you're looking to enjoy a Paczki for Fat Tuesday you should check out these places recommended on A Michigan Thing.

Gallery Credit: Big Joe Pesh

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