A winter storm is forecast to dump up to 24 inches of snow in some places this weekend, and many are wondering: How much snow are we actually getting?

Cold air allows precipitation to freeze instead of melt, helping snow form, stick and accumulate as winter storms move through the region.

Along with classic snow ice cream, clean, fresh snow also can be used for real-snow Kool-Aid snow cones and coffee snow. Here's how to make the treats.

It will be dangerously cold Saturday, with extreme cold advisories and warnings in effect across the region.

No new snow to report, but decent mountain coverage remains. Most terrain that's been open remains accessible with some areas seeing sunshine for spring-like afternoons on the slopes.

Widespread snow is closing in on the Valley and will arrive tonight, lasting through the rest of the weekend into Monday. Some sleet may mix in in southeastern counties. Most of the Valley forecast to pick up 12 to 18 inches of snow.

Meteorologist Hayley LaPoint explains how the "fluff factor" will play a role in Sunday's snowstorm.

Snow is an insulating blanket, is a thorough source of ground moisture and reflects solar energy back into space that cools the planet.