It's the calm before the storm. In case you haven't heard, a winter storm is brewing across Indiana.

It's expected to arrive in Indy tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 22. As of Tuesday afternoon, The National Weather Service had extended the Winter Storm Watch to include all counties along and north of the I-70 corridor. This will be in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

Bundle up, becausewe could could experience heavy and blowing snow, wind chills as low as -28 degrees, and wind gusts as highfast? as 55 mph as we head into the holiday weekend.

❄️ What's the difference between a winter storm and a blizzard?

According to the NWS, a winter storm is a broader term, but when it applies to a warning or watch, it can mean any of the following things:

getting at least 6 inches of snow or more in 12 hours or at least 8 inches in 24 hours
1/2 inch of sleet
1/4 inch or more of freezing rain

A blizzard is defined as “blowing and/or falling snow with winds of at least 35 mph, reducing visibility to a quarter of a mile or less for at least three hours.”

During a blizzard, you should stay off the roads except for emergency situations.

❄️ How to prepare for a winter storm or blizzard

If you have sinks or faucets on an exterior wall, leave a small trickle of water running and the cabinets open so heat can reach the pipes.
Make sure your furnace is working properly and no registers or grills are blocked, so that warm air can flow throughout your house.
Keep an emergency kit in your car with things like jumper cables, flashlight, snow shovel or brush, blanket, warm clothes, and a tank of gas.
Move animals to sheltered areas and bring pets indoors.

Get more winter weather safety tips.