The winter storm watch that the National Weather Service issued yesterday morning for the local area has been downgraded to a "winter weather advisory."

A storm watch is a prelude to a storm warning, during which six or more inches of snow are anticipated.The weather advisory indicates that forecasters feel fewer than six inches of snow will fall this evening.The heaviest snow is expected between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m.A winter storm warning - six inches or more of snow - is still in effect in southern Lehigh County with the boundary being just south of New Tripoli.The winter weather advisory for Carbon County, Schuylkill County, Monroe County, and Northern Lehigh County is as follows:"The winter weather advisory is now in effect until 4 a.m. EST Thursday."• Precipitation type: Snow ... with possibly some sleet or rain mixed in during the day.• Accumulations: 3 to 6 inches.• Timing: Snow will spread from south to north between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. ... with the heaviest snow expected between 5 p.m. and midnight. Snow will end before the start of the morning commute on Thursday.• Impacts: Snow may begin during the late portion of the morning commute ... and result in locally slick travel. The evening commute should be affected as accumulating snow falls. Travel will become increasingly difficult as the evening commute progresses.The National Weather Service says, "A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow ... sleet ... or slippery roads and limited visibilities ... and use caution while driving."