Confused by all the notices issued for intense winter weather? Here's your guide

"Different regions might define the terms differently, the NWS told NPR. Georgia, for example, may have different criteria than North Dakota about what's considered "extreme cold," since residents there are less accustomed to freezing temperatures. "You will probably find there's going to be a certain amount of regionalization that is necessary," NWS forecaster Richard Bann said. People can find the notices that have been issued by their local NWS office by searching their zip code on the NWS homepage."

"Winter storm watch As of about 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, winter storm watches are in effect for a large swath of the country, extending from New Mexico, through Texas, then northeast to the Carolinas and West Virginia. These recommendations are deployed when "confidence is medium" that a storm is on the way, the NWS says. People should start preparing for the heavy snow, sleet and ice that could accumulate and bring "significant impacts" like slick roads and downed power lines, Bann said."

"A winter storm warning is issued when "confidence is high" that heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is coming to an area. The storm is close enough that people who haven't completed their preparations need to finish up. A winter storm warning is in effect in the area just north of Syracuse, N.Y., until Friday evening. The weather service predicts up to 28 inches of snow will fall through Friday, and winds could reach gusts up to 35 miles per hour,"

Much of the country is expected to face fierce cold and wintry weather this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue watches, warnings, and advisories nationwide. Criteria for warnings are regionally adjusted, so temperature thresholds vary by location. People should check local NWS offices by searching zip codes on the NWS homepage. Winter storm watches indicate medium confidence of significant snow, sleet, or ice and advise beginning preparations. Winter storm warnings indicate high confidence and require completing preparations. Anticipated impacts include heavy snowfall, sleet, freezing rain, slick roads, downed power lines, blowing and drifting snow, and possible whiteout conditions.

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