For millions of us, winter weather has already started. As the winds howl, the snow flies and the temperatures drop, the National Weather Service issues various levels of alerts for wintry weather.

As we get deeper into the winter season, winter weather alerts will be a given. Winter weather alerts are either a watch, advisory or warning, and are issued based upon the threat level.

TOLEDO, Ohio — When winter weather occurs, it's important to know the difference between the different warnings issued and what to do when they are issued. Here are the definitions of the alerts ...