A winter storm watch has been issued for 12 counties in northern and northwestern Lower Michigan. The winter storm watch is for the time period of Wednesday afternoon to Friday morning. A winter storm watch is also in effect for the same time period in the eastern U.P.

The National Weather Service released an updated winter storm watch at 7:47 p.m. on Monday valid from Thursday 1 a.m. until Friday 7 p.m. for Northern Erie and Southern Erie as well as Crawford County.

The National Weather Service issues a variety of weather warnings and advisories. Here's what they mean in Michigan.

GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — Lake effect snow is set to impact portions of Northeast Ohio just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday this week, which is why the National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the following counties from Thursday morning through Friday evening:

On Tuesday at 4:41 a.m. the National Weather Service released a winter storm watch valid from Thursday 1 a.m. until Friday 7 p.m. for Warren and McKean counties.

The winter storm watch issued in Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday has expanded further south, with weather officials saying up to 10 inches of snow is possible in the worst-hit areas of the state.

The NWS in Buffalo has issued multiple winter storm watches for areas across western and north-central New York, with the potential for heavy lake-effect snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions during the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

On Tuesday at 12:38 a.m. a winter storm watch was released by the National Weather Service valid from Thursday 4 p.m. until Saturday 7 a.m. for Hamilton County.