We could almost consider ourselves fortunate in the Black Hills. The last two major winter blizzards -May and then just this week - weren't even during what we'd really consider "winter." And our winters have been mild, otherwise.

Maybe the early-season blizzard this week contributed to the generally lackadaisical attitude to its approach. Seriously, other than utility, school and city managers who would be dealing with the impact, and area school children watching the closeline praying for cancellations, many adults were probably wondering just how serious this blizzard was actually going to be.

Weren't we surprised.

The storm that slammed in western South Dakota was extreme, leaving some serious distress in its wake. Motorists were stranded on Interstate 90, many vehicles abandoned and many people lucky enough to had found a room, still may have found themselves without power.

And in Rapid City, thousands of utility customers were without power, too; not surprising considering the hurricane-force gusts that swept the area and the foot of snow that accumulated. Travel in the city was more than difficult and plowing during the storm to keep up with the drifting and snowfall was impossible.

The Northern Hills will be digging out, and dealing with the problems of, the more than 3 feet of snow that fell there.

The quick moving storm provided the annual reminder: time to get ready for severe winter weather and, please, be patient.

There's a laundry list of supplies everyone should have in the vehicle and home to prepare for this kind of winter weather. Most in Rapid City were fortunate - they had electrical service. But if it had gone out? Just where is that flashlight? And in vehicles, a cell phone isn't the only safety device drivers should rely on when traveling across this state in the winter.

We would encourage everyone to spend some time putting together a safety kit for the home and vehicle. This week's storm was a good reminder that some simple safety planning can go a long way to providing comfort when the weather gets out of hand.

This week's blizzard was also a reminder that patience is a virtue. Patience not only for those who had to be out in the storm, for the utilities trying to restore power and for those who are working overtime after the storm to clear the roads, sidewalks and driveways.

South Dakotans are no strangers to winter weather. There's a certain pride that goes along with weathering the severe elements this state throws at us. But a confident attitude is no match for Mother Nature. Take steps to be safer, take a deep breath and slow down and we'll all get through these severe weather events together.