On Wednesday at 2:45 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch valid from 10 p.m. until Friday 10 a.m. for West Central Willamette Valley, East Central Willamette Valley, Benton County Lowlands,

A winter storm watch is usually issued when a storm system is one to two days from starting. This long lead time is used to help you get ready if you have to make travel or work changes. Eventually as the storm gets closer, the winter storm watch either turns to a winter storm warning or a winter weather advisory.

See the latest snowfall predictions here.) Much of lower Michigan is under a winter storm watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.