Back in early November, the Farmers’ Almanac unveiled its long-term weather forecast for winter 2025 to 2026 and predicted it would be a “wild ride.” About a month into the wintry season, it has been relatively mild thus far, with above-average temperatures and below-average snowfalls throughout the country. But that’s all expected to change very soon.
A massive winter storm, already dubbed Winter Storm Fern by the Weather Channel, is threatening to pummel up to 33 states, from New Mexico and Texas to Massachusetts and Maine, in the coming days. Meteorologists believe it could affect over 230 million Americans before the storm’s final snowflakes fall.
If you live in a state that may be impacted by Winter Storm Fern, it’s a good idea to start preparing for the worst immediately. Consider investing in an electric snow shovel, picking up a portable power station, and, if you plan to drive at any point over the next week, stocking up on everything listed on the National Weather Service’s car winter survival kit checklist. A first-aid kit, thermal blankets, and bottled water are just a few essentials the NWS recommends.
While you’re at it, we also suggest going the extra mile by customizing your car winter survival kit with several other must-haves. Here are six more items to add that are all available at Amazon.
If your car ever gets stuck in the snow and ice on a dark road, having a flashlight like the Shilipai Multifunctional Flashlight on hand will be an absolute must. Shoppers say the 3,000-lumen flashlight is “incredibly bright” and provides “excellent visibility in dark conditions.” It’s also multifunctional, serving as a window breaker, seatbelt cutter, and power bank, making your car’s winter survival kit even more effective.
You should keep a set of reliable jumper cables in your car year–round since you could be forced to deal with a dead battery at any time. However, it’s especially important to have them handy in winter, when freezing-cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your battery’s health. The Topdc 20-Foot Jumper Cables are heavy-duty, 4-gauge cables that can revive your battery with their giant alligator clamps.
Your car’s defroster can help clear a small amount of snow and ice from your windshield, but it’s going to take forever to do it. Rather than relying on it to get the job done, grab the Amadaw Snow Brush and Ice Scraper. It features a 9-inch brush with five rows of tightly packed bristles, a strong, durable scraper that “works fast and efficiently” according to shoppers, and, most importantly, an adjustable 27-inch handle that can clear snow and ice from every square inch of your windshield.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry about cleaning off your windshield following a snowstorm? The Lamicall Windshield Cover for Ice and Snow can prevent anything from building up on it. The cover is made out of 800D Oxford fabric and features five powerful magnets, allowing you to install it in only about 30 seconds.
If you’ve invested in an electric snow shovel to clear your sidewalks and driveway, you might not think purchasing a regular snow shovel is necessary. But it would be a fantastic idea to keep the AstroAI Extendable Snow Shovel in your trunk. It extends from 33.5 to 44.5 inches, features a strong aluminum handle, and boasts an ergonomic design that lets you lift up to 33 pounds of snow.
Driving on snowy or icy roads with underinflated tires is a big no-no, as it can reduce traction, compromise handling, and cause you to lose control of your car. Keep your tires properly inflated with the Powools Tire Inflator. Shoppers say it’s “surprisingly quick for such a small, lightweight device,” taking a car tire from 30 to 36 PSI in under 1 minute.
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About the author
Chris Yuscavage
Commerce Writer, Autoblog