Sioux Falls, SD (KICD)– That National Weather Service and some of its partners gathered in Sioux Falls Thursday morning to talk blizzards and winter weather ahead of the upcoming cold season.

Peter Rogers is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the office that covers a large part of the local area. He took a minute to remind the public of the technical definition of the blizzard.

But Rogers says there are situations where waiting for those exact conditions can mean it is almost too late to give proper lead times to everyone involved.

Just like severe weather in the warmer months, reports from the public can help make forecasting winter weather easier at times, so anytime a photo can be safely taken showing current conditions, it can be sent to weather@spencerradiogroup.com. Reports can also be submitted by phone by calling 800-232-1240.