CALL US
(866)223-5699
(866)223-5699
Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist (Weather Edition): What To Monitor 72 Hours Before Snow or Ice Hits
Winter storms have a way of moving from “maybe” to “oh no” very quickly.
One day it’s a light snow forecast… and the next, you’re dealing with icy roads, dangerous wind chill, school closures, and possible power outages. That’s why the best winter storm prep isn’t panic-shopping the day of, it’s following a clear checklist starting 72 hours before impact.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a complete Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist (Weather Edition) so you know exactly what to do at 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours before snow or ice hits, plus what to monitor during and after the storm.
Bonus: This checklist is written specifically around weather conditions, so it helps you make smarter decisions based on what’s actually happening in your area.
Quick Answer: What to Do Before a Winter Storm (Fast Checklist)
In a hurry? Here is a quick 60-second checklist:
72 Hours Before
• Check forecast updates 2–3 times/day
• Charge devices + power banks
• Top off your car’s fuel
• Review your home heat + water safety plan
• Confirm you have food + water for 2–3 days
48 Hours Before
• Stage your outage kit (flashlights, batteries, blankets)
• Prep plumbing (freeze prevention)
• Bring in outdoor items and secure anything wind can move
• Confirm work/school travel plan
24 Hours Before
• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Finish final errands early
• Set thermostat strategy
• Prepare for changing precipitation type (snow → sleet → freezing rain)
During the Storm
• Stay indoors if possible
• Monitor conditions locally
• Avoid overusing risky heat sources
After the Storm
• Watch for refreeze + black ice
• Check for damage safely
• Clear vents and exits
• Monitor the next system (storms often arrive in waves)
Why This Checklist Works (And Why Winter Storms Feel “Unpredictable”)
Winter weather often changes quickly because small shifts in temperature and storm track can cause big differences in what you experience:
• Snow vs sleet vs freezing rain
• Roads staying wet vs turning to ice
• Light wind vs near-whiteout conditions
• Minor storm vs widespread power outage risk
That’s why winter preparedness is less about guessing totals and more about being ready for impacts.
If you haven’t already, start with this foundational guide first: Winter Storm Watch vs. Winter Storm Warning vs. Blizzard Warning: What Each Means (And What To Do Next)
Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist (Weather Edition)
72 Hours Before the Storm: Start Prep Mode (Calm + Efficient)
At 72 hours out, the forecast still may shift. Your goal is to prepare early without overreacting.
1) Check the forecast 2–3 times per day (timing matters)
Instead of obsessing every hour, check at morning/afternoon/evening. Focus on:
• When precipitation starts
• When temperatures drop below freezing
• When the wind increases
• When precipitation type may change (snow vs ice)
What you’re really watching for: timing + trend.
2) Charge everything (before everyone else does)
Charge your:
• Phone
• Laptop
• Battery packs/power banks
• Rechargeable flashlights
• Wireless earbuds (yes, boredom matters too)
If you wait until the warning phase, stores sell out of batteries and power packs quickly.
3) Top off vehicles + basic car readiness
Even if you don’t plan to travel, a full tank is smart.
Do this:
• Fill fuel tank
• Check windshield washer fluid (winter blend if possible)
• Check tire pressure (cold air lowers PSI)
• Confirm wiper blades aren’t worn
Action--Keep a small “car winter kit” ready:
• Blanket
• Gloves/hat
• Flashlight
• Phone charging cable
• Snacks + water
4) Stock 2–3 days of “storm-proof” food (simple is best)
You don’t need gourmet. You need convenience. Focus on:
• Ready-to-eat foods (protein bars, canned soups, peanut butter)
• Easy-to-cook foods (pasta, rice, oatmeal)
• Bottled water or filled containers
• Pet food + medications
5) Plan your heat + safety strategy (before it gets cold)
Ask:
• If the power goes out, how will we stay warm safely?
• Which room can become a “warm room”?
• Do we have enough blankets?
• Do we have safe lighting?
⚠️ Important: Many winter injuries come from unsafe heating methods. Your goal is warmth without creating fire or carbon monoxide risk.
6) Set up storm monitoring (so you’re not guessing)
At 72 hours, this is the best time to confirm your weather info sources. Track:
• Temperature trend
• Wind gusts
• Pressure changes
• Precipitation type
If you rely only on broad forecasts, you may miss what’s happening right at your property (especially in winter storms where microclimates are common).
48 Hours Before the Storm: Lock in the Plan
This is where you shift from “prep” to “execution.”
1) Stage your power outage kit (keep it in ONE place)
Don’t scatter supplies across drawers. Put it all in one bin.
Your outage kit should include:
• Flashlights or headlamps
• Batteries
• Fully charged power bank
• Warm blankets
• First-aid kit
• Basic tools
• Bottled water
• Hand warmers (optional)
• A printed copy of emergency contact numbers (phones die!)
2) Prep your home to prevent frozen pipes
Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Do these steps:
• Disconnect outdoor hoses
• Cover outdoor spigots
• Locate the main water shutoff valve
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on outside walls
• Consider letting faucets drip if temperatures will be very low
If your area is prone to hard freezes, these small steps make a huge difference.
3) Do an outdoor check (wind + ice can turn items into hazards)
Walk outside and secure:
• Patio furniture
• Decorations
• Loose tools or yard equipment
• Trash bins
• Anything that the wind can pick up and throw
Ice storms and high winds can turn your yard into a mess quickly.
4) Confirm your schedule: don’t wait until travel becomes dangerous
Check:
• Remote work options
• School closure plans
• Travel rescheduling decisions
If you can avoid travel, do it early.
5) Prep your driveway/walkways (before ice starts)
Once freezing rain hits, it becomes harder and more dangerous.
Prep with:
• Ice melt/salt (as appropriate for your surface)
• Shovel access (don’t bury it!)
• Traction materials if needed
Pro tip: Ice often forms first on:
• bridges
• shaded driveways
• untreated sidewalks
• sloped surfaces
24 Hours Before the Storm: Final Actions (This Is the “Do Not Delay” Window)
At 24 hours out, conditions may deteriorate quickly. This is the time to finish tasks early and get safely home.
1) Finish errands early, and stop driving if conditions worsen
If you still have anything to do, do it today, not “tomorrow morning.”
Tomorrow morning is often when:
• roads are icy
• visibility drops
• accidents pile up
• stores are packed
2) Switch to “stay home mode.”
Here’s what that means:
• Park your car in the best position (easy exit if needed)
• Bring deliveries inside
• Prepare to stay put until roads clear
![snow-covered road / stay home visual]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0508/7153/3767/files/Untitled_800_x_800_px.jpg?v=1769176806)
3) Protect your home’s heat retention
Small steps help a lot:
• Close curtains at night
• Block drafts at doors/windows
• Close off unused rooms
• Place extra blankets in the warm room
If power goes out, these steps help your home hold heat longer.
4) Watch for the most dangerous winter transition: wet → freeze
The “worst surprise” scenario is often:
• rain or wet snow first
• then temperature drops below 32°F
• everything freezes
This creates:
• black ice roads
• slick driveways
• dangerously icy steps
Action--Pay attention to temperature trend changes and wind increases — this is where local monitoring helps.
5) Make sure exits and vents are accessible
You always want safe ventilation and safe exits.
• Make sure one door can open if snow builds up
• Avoid piling snow where it blocks vents
• If you have a generator, plan safe placement outdoors (never indoors)
During the Winter Storm: What To Do (Weather Edition)
Once the storm begins, your priorities are safety, warmth, and awareness.
1) Stay off the roads if possible
Even good drivers can’t control:
• ice patches
• other drivers sliding
• sudden whiteout conditions
Avoiding travel is one of the highest-impact safety decisions.
2) Monitor these 6 weather signals (they change fast)
These are the conditions that often tell you when to take action:
1. Temperature trend (flash freeze risk)
2. Wind gusts (drifting snow + outages)
3. Wind direction (storm band shifts)
4. Barometric pressure trend (storm intensity/timing changes)
5. Precipitation type (snow vs sleet vs freezing rain)
6. Visibility (travel becomes dangerous fast)
3) Keep safe lighting and power usage simple
• Use flashlights/headlamps instead of candles
• Use low-power mode on phones
• Keep one backup battery untouched unless needed
4) Avoid risky heating choices
The goal is to stay warm and safe.
If you use space heaters:
• Keep them away from blankets/curtains
• Don’t overload outlets
• Never leave unattended
After the Storm: The “Refreeze + Damage Check” Checklist
The storm isn’t always over when the snow stops.
1) Watch for refreeze and black ice
Refreeze danger happens when:
• snow melts slightly during the day
• then temperatures drop again overnight
Assume:
• shaded areas will stay icy longer
• bridges freeze first
• Your driveway may look fine, but be slick
2) Check for damage safely
Walk around your property carefully and look for:
• downed limbs
• sagging trees
• damaged gutters
• ice load on lines (keep distance)
Important: Stay far away from any downed power lines.
3) Clear snow strategically (not all at once)
If snowfall is heavy:
• clear in smaller passes
• take breaks
• avoid overexertion
Snow shoveling can be surprisingly strenuous.
4) Reset supplies (so you’re ready for the next system)
Many regions get winter storms in waves.
After the storm:
• restock batteries if used
• recharge power banks
• update your emergency kit
• refill fuel if needed
What To Monitor to Make Better Decisions (Instead of Guessing). Many winter storm problems happen because people assume the forecast stays the same. Better approach: monitor your conditions locally and react early.
Here’s what matters most:
1. Temperature trend (especially around 32°F)
A shift of just a couple of degrees can change everything.
2. Wind gusts
Strong gusts increase drifting, outages, and whiteouts.
3. Pressure trend
Falling pressure often signals a strengthening storm.
4. Precipitation type
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain have very different impacts.
FAQs: Winter Storm Preparedness
Q: How early should I prepare for a winter storm?
A: Ideally, 72 hours before, especially if there is any chance of ice or power outages. Early prep is cheaper, easier, and less stressful.
Q: What’s the most dangerous type of winter storm?
A: Ice storms and blizzards tend to be most dangerous due to:
• power outages
• slick roads
• low visibility
• extreme wind chill
Q: What’s the #1 winter storm prep mistake?
A: Waiting until the warning is issued to start preparing. By then, roads, stores, and supplies may already be stressed.
Q: Should I rely on my phone's weather app?
A: It’s helpful, but not perfect. Winter storms can vary significantly even across a few miles. Local conditions often matter more than regional averages.
Final Takeaway: Your 72-Hour Winter Storm Plan
Here’s your simple action plan:
✅ 72 hours out: prep calmly
✅ 48 hours out: stage supplies + protect home
✅ 24 hours out: finish early + stay home
✅ During storm: monitor conditions + stay safe
✅ After storm: watch refreeze + check damage
And if you haven’t already, make sure you read this first (it’s the perfect companion article): Winter Storm Watch vs. Winter Storm Warning vs. Blizzard Warning: What Each Means (And What To Do Next)
Leave a comment