Mississippi isn’t exactly known for its blistering winters. However, just because the season doesn’t bring freezing temperatures, it doesn’t mean it's easy to make it through winter in the Magnolia State. And since the season officially began a few days ago, it seems like the perfect time to cover a few unwritten rules about surviving a Mississippi winter.

1. Layers are the key to survival.

Just because the day starts off nippy, it doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way.

2. Checking the forecast on a daily basis is a must.

For many states, winter means months of unbearably cold weather. In Mississippi, it means experiencing all four seasons in a matter of a few days.

3. Keep a stock of cold medicine and Kleenex.

The fluctuating temperatures mean you’ll likely get sick more often.

4. Never put up your summer clothes.

Chances are, you’ll spend many winter days in shorts and flip flops.

5. An icy windshield can lead to a late start in the morning.

First of all, who expects their windshield to be frozen when the temperature was 70-degrees the day before?! Secondly, does anyone in Mississippi actually own an ice scraper?

6. If there’s even a slight chance it’ll snow, certain staples are sure to run low.

For some reason if snow is forecasted, we all head to the nearest store and stock up on things like bread and milk.

7. Should it happen to snow, it’ll be the talk of the town for weeks.

Snow in Mississippi is a rare occurrence, so who can blame us for getting excited?

8. It’ll also lead to people of all ages acting like children.

The fact that it rarely snows in Mississippi means many of us have missed out on things like building snowmen and having snowball fights. So, if we’re blessed with a bit of snow, we’re making the most of it – no matter our age.

9. It’s best to stay off the roads in snowy weather…

Most residents have never even seen snow, let alone driven in it. The icy conditions combined with inexperience are a recipe for disaster.

10. …which is for the best since the entire state practically shuts down when it snows.

Aside from residents not being used to driving on snow covered roads, most Mississippi cities don’t have equipment, like salt trucks, to keep streets safe during a snowstorm.

What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section!

Longing for some true winter weather? Check out "12 Incredibly Beautiful Photos Of Mississippi From The 2017 Winter Snowstorm."