Many of us have already experienced snow, either on Christmas or once we've returned from holiday traveling. Of course, that first snow might be gone soon, if it's like most others that we've had. Winter really is here, though, but how do you survive all that it brings with it?

1. Winter doesn't care what month it might be.

October? March? Even May gets an occasional flurry sometimes. What's our weather thinking?

2. You'll need to bring a coat everywhere you go for three months before and after winter.

It immediately becomes freezing as soon as the sun goes down, if not beforehand. Plus, even if it reaches 60 degrees and you think you'll be fine with only a jacket, think again.

3. Everyone forgets how to drive when it's snowing.

It's not just Kansans (or any other state), it's all of us. We just need to slow down, focus, and accept that we won't always be there on time.

4. Black ice is to be avoided at all costs.

You're better off just staying at home and waiting for it to melt. Black ice is deadly, especially if you're one to travel longer in and out of town on roads that aren't always scraped.

5. The stores are out of bread and milk, so I hope you have some.

It doesn't always happen, but usually when the first "big storm" rumors start flowing in, the essentials start flying off of the shelves in the store. It doesn't help when the weather's too bad for the store to get shipments in, too!

6. Snow usually doesn't stop work, only school.

More often than not, schools try to use their snow days so they don't have to close early in the summer. Of course, that means you'll still need to work while they get the day off. No fair!

7. The wind can cause more trouble than the snow ever will.

Blustering winds somehow are a lot worse than unfavorable driving conditions and some snow. Who else hates the winter wind here?

8. Unless it gets icy, that is.

As a big city, ice is our worst enemy. It cuts power, knocks over trees, and drives us off the roads we need to live.

9. It turns to slush pretty quickly, but just hope it doesn't refreeze.

Refrozen slush feels harder than diamonds, especially if you find yourself falling on it. I don't recommend it if you can avoid it!

10. There's nowhere as beautiful as Kansas City under a blanket of snow.

Despite what troubles it brings, it's truly a beautiful season best observed from a place of warmth.

What other things would you advise Kansas City newbies for their first winter here? Let us know in the comments!

Afterwards, check out the story of one of our biggest snowstorms to date.