Winter will be here before we know it. Cold, snow, and more cold are in our future. The finicky nature of South Dakota weather may give us an extended dry period or drop several inches of snow on us early. No matter what happens, winter is coming.

When winter weather comes to the Sioux Empire, we use some phrases when talking about the weather that you've probably heard before. Like 'Winter Storm Watch' or 'Winter Weather Advisories.'

You may be familiar with these phrases, but do you know what they mean?

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Our friends at the National Weather Service (NWS) keep an eye on the weather and tell us when we need to pay extra attention to what's going on. In the winter, this information is so we can plan and be ready when things turn nasty.

What is a Winter Weather Advisory?

The NWS issues an Advisory when things are looking favorable for winter conditions to develop, but it's not going to be as bad as a big storm. It's a heads-up that if you are out and about, the weather may become inconvenient.

The NWS says Winter Weather Advisories, "...are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving."

Wind Chill Advisories or an Extreme Cold Watch can also be issued when the temperature is getting into the dangerous zone. It's a reminder to be mindful of what's going on outside.

RELATED: Goodbye Wind Chill Warnings in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota

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What is a Winter Weather Watch?

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch during the Spring means conditions are favorable for the development of large thunderstorms. Similarly, a Winter Weather Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of a "significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow or a combination of events)."

A Watch means just that: keep watch for worsening conditions. If you wake up to a Winter Storm Watch, that means you need to be aware of the forecast and what's going on outside where you are. It also means you need to plan ahead for the afternoon and evening. What will you and the family be doing later in the day? Will plans need to change? Will the drive home be a snowy mess, and should you leave early?

What is a Winter Weather Warning?

In the spring, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a storm has formed and is approaching the warned area. The same applies for a Winter Storm Warning, the snow is falling and the wind is blowing, and it's heading for you.

The NWS says that, "Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve."

What is a Blizzard Warning?

A storm becomes a blizzard based on wind speed. The NWS issues a Blizzard Warning when a storm has "Frequent wind gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more."

There could only be three inches of snow, but if the wind is at blizzard levels, those three inches can cause whiteout conditions, making travel impossible, producing dangerous windchills, and all the usual damages strong winds cause.