It’s not uncommon for wet Michigan snows to cave in a roof or for melted snow to flood a home… but before that happens, you’ll most likely hear a winter storm warning on the news, read about it on Facebook or get a call from your family or a friend.

These are the watchwords you have to pay attention to when you’re living in Michigan in the winter.

Winter Storm Watchwords for Everyone in Michigan

Winter Storm Warning

A winter storm warning means that potentially life-threatening conditions have begun or will begin within the next 24 hours.

Blizzard Warning

A blizzard warning indicates that there will be sustained winds or frequent gusts measuring 35 miles per hour or more, and there will be a significant amount of falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility. Usually, visibility will be less than 0.25 miles, and conditions are typically expected to last for at least 3 hours.

Wind Chill

Wind chill refers to how cold people and animals feel when they’re outside. It’s not the actual temperature, but it’s the way the wind and cold feel on your skin.

Winter Storm Outlook

If there’s a winter storm outlook, that means there are winter storm conditions possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

Winter Storm Watch

A winter storm watch means a winter storm is on its way and could be there within the next 36 to 48 hours.

Winter Weather Advisory

A winter weather advisory means that conditions are expected to occur that could be hazardous, but not necessarily life-threatening as long as you’re careful.