Mother Nature isn't fooling around so far this winter, wait, it's not even technically winter yet, that doesn't officially start for another six days. Yikes!

A large portion of South and North Dakota have just been hammered with snow and blizzard conditions all week, and it looks like Old Man Winter isn't quite done with all the fun.

Parts of western and northwestern South Dakota have taken the real brunt of this week's storm. As of noon on Wednesday (December 14), the National Weather Service reports that Deadwood has received 23 inches of snow! Yep, almost two feet! Now that's what I call a winter wonderland.

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The folks in Spearfish got a real snow job too! Since this storm system moved in, Spearfish has received 18 inches of new snow accumulation.

Blizzard warnings still remain in effect in those areas.

Word has it, that Rapid City reported wind gusts of 63mph during blizzard conditions in that city earlier this week.

Here are snowfall totals from other parts of South Dakota and the region:

Dakota News Now (with permission)

Here in the eastern half of South Dakota and in Sioux Falls, in particular, rain has been the major pain, after receiving nearly 10+ inches of snow last week.

According to the gang in the severe weather center at Dakota News Now, snow will continue to take place across our area for much of today. The heavy stuff will once again be concentrated in central and western South Dakota. It looks as if things could get a little dicey in parts of northern South Dakota as well.

High winds are going to be a problem throughout the state today making travel hazardous in many areas.

Here in Sioux Falls, we are in a Winter Weather Advisory until noon on Friday.

Dakota News Now is predicting snow and gusting winds during that time. We can look for around 3 inches of new snow and the winds are expected to blow as high as 45mph at times.

The good news, this storm system should wrap up by Friday afternoon, then next week the weather guys are saying that we're going to get plunged into the deep freeze for a few days. With some dangerous cold temperatures on the way.

Remind me again why we live in this state. Oh, yeah, because of the variety of weather, right?

Source: Dakota News Now/NWS

TRENDING FROM RESULTS-TOWNSQUARE MEDIA SIOUX FALLS

Do You Remember These 10 Crazy Snowstorms In South Dakota?

Here's some news that some South Dakotans prefer not to hear this time of year. Winter is coming. In denial? The dropping temperatures and early snowstorms out west by Deadwood speak for themselves.

Slowly but surely, people of the Sioux Empire are bracing for colder weather and snow-covered roads. Even though snow will soon be gracing the Sioux Empire with its presence, some snow showers will not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlights these ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the roads during the winter. These South Dakotan winters can be harsh, which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

A Survival Guide For Your First Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.

Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.

MORE: What Every South Dakotan Should Be Doing to Prepare for Winter

So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips: