With severe winter weather threatening many parts of the United States, it’s important to be prepared. January 2024 has proven to be a stormy month so far with blizzard-like conditions pelting areas of the country with more snow and extreme cold forecasted in the coming days. Winter storm preparation is vital to ensure you and your family are safe. Our team has compiled a list of snow storm essentials that you can buy online and pick up at your local store today. An easy way to do this is to take advantage of convenient curbside delivery or free in-store pickup. Some stores even offer free same-day delivery depending on your location. These are the products our team recommends you have on hand to be prepared for snow storms.
Snow Blowers
When snow piles up, a reliable snow blower can save hours of backbreaking work. Whether you’re dealing with a light dusting or a heavy blizzard, these machines are designed to clear driveways and walkways efficiently. Here are some top picks available for quick pickup:
- EGO Power+ Multi-Head System MSS1203 12 in. 56 V Battery Snow Thrower Kit (Battery & Charger) at Ace Hardware for $399.99 – Compact and cordless, great for smaller areas.
- Toro Power Shovel 60V 12 in. Single Stage 60 V Battery Snow Thrower Kit (Battery & Charger) at Ace Hardware for $299.99 – Lightweight and perfect for quick jobs.
- EGO POWER+ 56-volt 21-in Single-stage Push Cordless Electric Snow Blower 5 Ah (Battery and Charger Included) at Lowe’s for $749 – Powerful for medium-sized driveways.
- Kobalt Gen4 40-volt 21-in Single-stage Push Cordless Electric Snow Blower 4 Ah (Battery and Charger Included) at Lowe’s for $559 – A budget-friendly electric option.
- Ariens 18S 18-in Single-stage Push with Auger Assistance Gas Snow Blower at Lowe’s for $529 – Gas-powered for reliable performance.
- EGO Power+ Power SNT2405 24 in. Two Stage 56 V Battery Snow Blower Kit (Battery & Charger) at Ace Hardware for $1,499 – Heavy-duty for larger properties.
- Ariens Deluxe 24 in. 254 cc Two Stage Gas Snow Blower Electric Start at Ace Hardware for $1,449.99 – Robust with electric start for ease.
- Troy-Bilt Storm 24 in. 208 cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start Self Propelled at The Home Depot for $999 – Great balance of power and price.
- Toro Power Clear 721 E 21 in. 212 cc Single-Stage Self Propelled Electric Start Gas Snow Blower at The Home Depot for $799 – Ideal for moderate snowfalls.
- Cub Cadet 2X 26 in. 243cc IntelliPower Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Power Steering and Steel Chute at The Home Depot for $1,299 – Top-tier for heavy snow and large areas.
Pro tip: Before buying, check your driveway size and snow depth in your area. Single-stage blowers work best for lighter snow, while two-stage models tackle deeper, wetter snow with ease. Also, consider battery-powered options if you prefer less maintenance and no gas refills.
Snow Shovels
For smaller areas or tight spots where a snow blower can’t reach, a sturdy snow shovel is a must. From lightweight models to heavy-duty pushers, these options will help you clear snow efficiently:
- True Temper 16-in Poly Snow Shovel with 36-in Steel Handle at Lowe’s for $12.98 – Affordable and durable for light shoveling.
- True Temper 18-in Poly Snow Shovel with 38-in Steel Handle at Lowe’s for $24.98 – Slightly larger for bigger jobs.
- The Snowplow The Original 36 in. W X 56 in. L UHMW Snow Pusher at Ace Hardware for $79.99 – Wide blade for pushing large amounts of snow.
- The Snowplow The Snow Dominator 18 in. W X 57.5 in. L Poly Snow Shovel at Ace Hardware for $42.99 – Versatile for shoveling and pushing.
- RYOBI ONE+ 18V 10 in. Single-Stage Cordless Electric Snow Shovel at The Home Depot for $119 – Cordless convenience for small areas.
- Snow Joe 37 in. Metal Handle Plastic Snow Shovel at The Home Depot for $27.97 – Lightweight with a sturdy handle.
- True Temper 86 in. Aluminum Handle 17 ft. Telescoping Roof Rake at The Home Depot for $64.97 – Essential for clearing snow off roofs to prevent ice dams.
- True Temper 38.3 in. Steel Handle Plastic Snow Shovel at The Home Depot for $22.98 – Reliable for general use.
A quick heads-up: Roof rakes, like the True Temper model, are often overlooked but critical in heavy snow regions. They help prevent structural damage from snow buildup. If you’re in a pinch, a smaller shovel can double as a car snow clearer for those unexpected storms.
Ice Melt
Icy walkways and driveways can be treacherous. Stock up on ice melt to keep surfaces safe and accessible. Here are some effective options, including pet-friendly choices:
- Road Runner 40-lb Natural Sodium Chloride Ice Melt Granules at Lowe’s for $13.98 – Budget-friendly for large areas.
- Road Runner 12-lb Natural Fast Acting Sodium Chloride Sprayed with Liquid Magnesium Ice Melt Pellets at Lowe’s for $10.48 – Fast-acting for quick results.
- Morton 8-lb Natural Safer For Pets Urea Ice Melt Pellets at Lowe’s for $17.98 – Safe for pets and lawns.
- Ace Magnesium Chloride/MG-104/Sodium Chloride Pet Friendly Granule Ice Melt 40 lb at Ace Hardware for $27.99 – Large quantity for frequent use.
- Safe Step 3300 Sodium Chloride Crystal Halite/Rock Salt Ice Melt 50 lb at Ace Hardware for $14.99 – Effective for heavy ice.
- Safe Step Sure Paws Magnesium Chloride Pet Friendly Granule Ice Melt 20 lb at Ace Hardware for $21.99 – Gentle on paws and surfaces.
- 40 lbs. Ice Melt Blend Bag at The Home Depot for $13.97 – Versatile for various surfaces.
One thing I’ve learned: Spread ice melt sparingly to avoid damaging concrete or plants. If you’ve got pets, stick with pet-friendly options like Morton or Safe Step to keep their paws safe. Also, keep a small bag in your car for emergencies—it’s a lifesaver when you’re stuck on an icy road.
Additional Winter Prep Tips
Beyond tools and supplies, a few extra steps can make a big difference. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and blankets in case of power outages. Check your home’s insulation and seal any drafts to keep warmth in. If you’re using a gas-powered snow blower, store fuel safely and have extra on hand. And don’t forget to charge those batteries for cordless tools before the storm hits—nothing’s worse than a dead snow blower when the snow’s piling up!
Prices listed here are accurate as of January 12th, 2024. With these tools and a little planning, you’ll be ready to face whatever winter throws your way. Stay safe out there!