Iowa meteorologist puts salt, shovels, and weather radio batteries on the winter prep list

Before bitter temperatures arrive in Iowa, a National Weather Service meteorologist urged residents to check their winter supplies, from snow shovels and salt to fresh batteries for weather radios.

Here's what to know

During Iowa's Winter Weather Awareness Day, NWS meteorologist Chad Hahn offered advice on preparing for the season, according to KMAland.com.

Hahn addressed general winter readiness and urged people to prepare before truly "frigid" temperatures blanket the region.

"The cold weather is going to be upon us before we know it, and now's that climatological time where we start to think about and get prepared for this transition to winter, and to start thinking about some of those things that we can do better at this point," he said, KMAland reported.

As winter rapidly approaches, Hahn detailed practical steps Iowans could take.

"Really what we want folks to do and what we're asking folks to do is to take a cross-section of what their preparedness looks like for them and their house and their cars, and begin to start thinking of this transition that we know that's coming our way soon," Hahn said, per KMAland.

The state climatologist linked a potential increase in Iowa's winter temperatures and precipitation to a strong El Niño pattern, which could also bring rain more often than snow.

What can be done?

Hahn recommended residents inventory their winter clothing and ensure that they have sand, salt, and snow shovels before temperatures turn.

He also advised residents to stay informed as conditions change, checking that their weather radios have fresh batteries or downloading reliable weather apps.

Hahn wanted residents to be ready when a winter storm, blizzard, or ice storm warning is issued. 

Recognizing early gives people time to prepare.

"Typically, it'll be a winter storm watch if we see some concerning weather down the road," he said, per KMAland. "As it gets closer and confidence grows, we'd be ready to upgrade to a warning whether it be a winter storm warning or a blizzard warning or an ice storm warning, and that's when we really want folks to take action."

Where can I learn more?

Preparing for winter also means planning for power outages and checking home heating equipment. 

• Maryland residents were warned to prepare for winter outages and higher heating bills.

• A New York fire official advised furnace checks and carbon monoxide detectors before the first cold snap.

• U.K. households were urged to keep three days of supplies for floods, cyberattacks, and outages.

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