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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a fresh batch of heavy snow alerts on Monday affecting two states as a winter storm is set to take shape later in the week.
The new winter storm watches were issued on Monday as some parts of the U.S. witnessed abnormally warm temperatures more reminiscent of late spring and early summer. Winter isn't over for many though, with NWS offices in Michigan and Maine posting the watches for up to 11 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain later in the week.
The heavy snow could catch some people off guard, as temperatures were as high as the 70s across Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Monday, NWS meteorologist Greg Sova told Newsweek. However, it's not unusual for the region to see winter storms in March and April, he said.
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Michigan Winter Storm Watch
The NWS office in Marquette, Michigan, issued a winter storm watch on Monday afternoon, effective Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon for Marquette and Gwinn.
The alert warned of possible heavy snow, with total accumulations of 3 to 9 inches.
"Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes," the winter storm watch said. "The heaviest snowfall potential is over the higher elevations of Marquette County where up to 9 inches is possible. Uncertainty still exists and snowfall amounts and location could shift."
Those in the affected areas were encouraged to stay up to date with local weather forecasts as the storm gets closer.
Maine Winter Storm Watch
The NWS office in Caribou, Maine, also issued two winter storm watches on Monday afternoon.
They will be in effect for Aroostook, Somerset, Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning, including the cities of Caribou, Fort Kent, Ashland, Frenchville, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Clayton Lake, Van Buren, Madawaska, Allagash, Hodgdon, Millinocket, Baker Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Billy-Jack Depot, Mount Katahdin, Sherman, Smyrna Mills, Houlton, Churchill Dam, East Millinocket, Patten, Baxter St Park and Medway.
Meteorologists warned of heavy mixed precipitation, including snow up to 11 inches and ice accumulations up to 3/10 of an inch, depending on location.
"Northern areas are most likely to see mostly snow and sleet, while southern areas will see greater potential for impactful freezing rain," NWS Caribou said in the alert. "Uncertainty on the exact cutoff location of different precipitation types remains high."
Travel could be difficult, especially for the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.
Winter Storm Watch vs. Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm watch from the NWS is its early heads‑up that hazardous winter weather may develop, typically issued 12 to 48 hours before potential impacts. It signals that conditions are favorable for significant snow, sleet or ice, but forecasters do not yet have enough confidence to confirm that dangerous weather will occur.
A winter storm warning is issued when hazardous winter weather is imminent or already occurring. This alert tells the public that significant snow, sleet or ice is not just possible but expected, typically within the next 12 to 24 hours.
Under NWS definitions, a warning means high confidence in dangerous conditions that could severely impact travel, damage trees or power lines and pose safety risks.
A watch urges preparation while a warning signals that it’s time to take action as the storm is about to hit—or is already underway.
It's possible the winter storm watches in Maine and Michigan will be upgraded to winter storm warnings as the storms near.
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