National Weather Service Issues Travel Warning as Blizzard Conditions Continue

Over the weekend, the Midwest and Great Lakes was bombarded with blizzard conditions and record-setting snow. Fortunately, this brutal weather will be winding down throughout Monday, but not before it continues wreaking havoc on travel in the region.

Residents in multiple states have been asked to "stay home," with the National Weather Service (NWS) still urging against travel as of this morning.

A 'Blizzard Warning' remains in effect

The NWS Weather Prediction Center issued a tweet earlier warning that travel will be "very dangerous to impossible" on Monday.

Portions of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin remain under a Blizzard Warning from the NWS.

"A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring," the latest NWS announcement says. "Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle."

The snow will come to an end later today, but until then, stay put, if possible.

If you have to travel, be prepared

As the NWS warning says, a winter survival kit in your car is an absolute must if you can't stay off the road in inclement weather. Men's Journal's Brian Iselin recently put together one that has everything you need for $252.

The Canadian Automobile Association also has its own recommendations for what to include in your winter travel safety kit.

Here's what they advise:

• Flashlight (preferably crank-type, because batteries don’t last long in extreme cold)
• Reflective safety triangles or flares
• Small first-aid kit
• Snow brush and scraper
• Traction aids
• Small shovel with long handle
• Bag of abrasive material: sand, kitty litter (avoid road salt, which can cause your vehicle to rust)
• Plenty of windshield washer fluid
• Booster cables
• Gas-line antifreeze
• Lock de-icer (in extreme cold, keep it with you, rather than in your vehicle!)
• Paper towels
• Small tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
• Extra fuses (for the vehicle’s electrical system)
• Warm blanket
• Extra socks, boots and gloves
• Hand and foot warmers
• Bottles of water
• Granola bars

Please be safe, everyone.