It’s already shaping up to be a harsh winter, and temperatures are dropping below 10 degrees for the first time this season.

A winter storm watch is in effect through Monday, but what does that actually mean? What about a winter storm warning?

Think of PDS or "particular dangerous situation" as the National Weather Service's Rolls Royce for fire weather.

Weather Advisory for most of Northeast Ohio will begin at 4 a.m. on Thursday and continue until 4 a.m. Friday morning.

From a red flag to a particularly dangerous situation, here’s how to understand some of the alerts going around.

As the storm approaches, it is important to know the difference between all three weather warnings that could be issued by the National Weather Service to help prepare for the incoming weather.