The US is anticipating a huge winter storm, and college athletics are being rescheduled as a result.

Significant winter weather for a watch means 5 or more inches of snow and/or sleet within 12 hours, or 7 inches of snow/sleet within 24 hours, or ice accumulation that could cause damage to trees and powerlines, or life-threatening combinations of snow and/or ice with wind.

The National Weather Service released a winter storm warning at 12:38 p.m. on Friday valid from Saturday 7 p.m. until Monday 7 a.m. for Atlantic and Cape May counties.

This index, from NOAA's National Weather Service, attempts to scale the impacts from winter weather, taking into account factors such as snowfall, accumulated snow on rooftops, ice accumulation, the potential for a flash freeze, and blowing snow. Not all factors are in play in a given winter storm.

The major storm is set to hit starting on Jan. 23 and will stretch into the weekend, spreading snow and ice from the southern Plains to the Northeast.

The National Weather Service issues a litany of notices before and during inclement weather events. They can be important signals on how to respond.

Houston hospitals say medical appointments and non-emergency services could be disrupted during the winter storm. Here's what to know.

Houston is bracing for a weekend winter storm that brings the risk of freezing temperatures, dangerous wind chills and icy road conditions. Here are the latest updates on the forecast, what people need to do to prepare and the steps state and local leaders are taking ahead of the storm.