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Here are the 12 things you need for a winter weather car emergency kit

Some of them are common knowledge, but others, like cat litter and portable phone chargers, may not immediately come to mind.

DES MOINES, Iowa — With a likely blizzard on the horizon later this week, travel is not advised by the Local 5 Weather Team from Wednesday evening through Friday morning due to drastically reduced visibility from blowing snow.

Six to 10 inches of snow are expected across Iowa, with some higher amounts closer to a foot certainly possible.

RELATED: LOCAL 5 FORECAST: Winter storm will cause significant travel issues ahead of Christmas

If you must travel, there are a dozen items you should have with you in your car in case you get stranded.

  1. Flashlight 
  2. Road salt or cat litter 
  3. Snow shovel
  4. First aid kit
  5. Jumper cables
  6. Blanket
  7. Cell phone charger 
  8. Portable block charger
  9. Reflective triangles
  10. Toolkit
  11. Water and nonperishable snacks
  12. Ice and snow scraper

Some other items that you could consider tacking on to that kit include: extra layers, winter clothes, tire chains, an extra pair of snow boots, road flares and an empty gas can.

But, to reiterate, unless you have to venture out during the winter storm, stay inside and stay safe.

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