We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Save on Winter Storm Essentials
We’ve rounded up the best snow blower deals along with the best winter essential deals for this week’s winter storm preparation. Save up to 50% off snow blowers, flashlights, generators, and more.
A major winter storm is about to bring heavy snow, ice, and brutal cold to more than 200 million Americans across 35 states this weekend. The largest winter storm this year is taking shape, starting in the southern Plains on Friday before spreading across the South and into the East Coast. A low-pressure system developing in the Southwest, combined with Arctic cold air and Gulf moisture, will create a potentially life-threatening weather event stretching across a 2,000-mile area.
The Texas Panhandle and the Ozarks could see a foot or more of snow, while the central Appalachians and the Northeast may receive up to 2 feet. The southern side of the storm’s track faces significant ice accumulation, with two-tenths of an inch to half an inch expected in northeastern Texas, northern Mississippi, and southwestern Tennessee. This ice can bring down power lines, creating dangerous conditions as the polar vortex sends temperatures plummeting to record lows across the southern Plains and mid-Atlantic regions.
About 160 million people are under alerts for snow, sleet, and freezing rain, while roughly 175 million face winter weather or extreme cold alerts. Wind chills could feel like 40 to 50 degrees below zero in parts of the northern U.S., with frostbite possible in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.
With such widespread and hazardous conditions expected, along with major power outages, it’s crucial to be prepared with products for power outages and weather emergencies.
The Best Winter Storm Preparation Products
The following products will help you keep your home and family safe during this historic winter storm. Our test team has reviewed and approved each of these products.
Pipe Insulation
Photo: istockphoto.com
Check to see if there are any exposed pipes in colder parts of the house—like a crawl space or attic—and wrap with foam pipe insulation.
Propane Heater
Photo: Stacey L. Nash
If you lose power and you don’t have a generator, you’ll need an alternate way to stay warm. Our top pick is the Mr. Heater Propane Heater, which won’t generate toxic fumes when used indoors. Read our in-depth review of the Mr. Heater. Even better, this heater qualifies for same-day delivery in some areas.
Generator
If the electricity goes out, you’ll need a generator powerful enough to run essential appliances and a space heater, such as the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator, which runs on either gasoline or propane.
Ice Melt
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Slick steps and sidewalks are a recipe for disastrous falls, so stock up now on an eco-friendly, pet-safe ice melt product like Natural Rapport Ice Melt.
Flashlights
Photo: amazon.com
Having one or more strong flashlights is essential–we like the Streamlight 880-40 ProTac for its long-lasting rechargeable battery and bright illumination.
Portable Power Station
Photo: Jacob Wolfe for Bob Vila
To stay in touch with the outside world during an outage, keep a power station like the EcoFlow Delta 3 on hand for charging cellphones, tablets, lights, and other essential devices.
NOAA Radio
Midland WR120B NOAA Emergency Radio
See more: Best Emergency Radios, Tested & Reviewed
An NOAA radio, like this Midland model, helps keep you updated and informed when the power goes out or if cell service is spotty.
With the proper preparations and products, you can confidently face a winter storm or anything else Mother Nature sends your way.
