Two winter storm systems are on the way this week, both bringing the potential for accumulating snow and major travel problems. The first big one will hit Chicago on Wednesday. Widespread accumulating snow is expected in the late morning and lasting through the afternoon and evening.

The storm will impact about 200,000 square miles with snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour in some areas. And more winter weather arrives midweek.

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.

Northern California is bracing for another winter storm this week, which is set to bring heavy rain and snow and impact holiday travelers. Here's the timing and totals we're expecting.

Here’s the latest forecast for the snowstorm expected in the Kansas City area, including expected totals and timing of the snow.

Multiple rounds of wintry weather will march across the United States this week, with one storm expected to bring heavy snow to the Mid-Atlantic, from Washington, D.C., to New York, while another just behind it affects a stretch from Kansas City to Chicago.

Two snow and ice storms threatened to roll across the Midwest and East this week. And a third storm could be lurking for next weekend.

Tuesday begins with a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow before settling to a mix of rain and freezing rain through Wednesday. Significant icing is possible in the mountains, creating poor travel and major power outages.

The video above is Meteorologist Don Slater’s late afternoon forecast Tuesday. JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — James City County Police issued a traffic advisory Tuesday afternoon after multiple crashes temporarily closed News Road and Centerville Road.