Winter-Ready in Illinois: 20 Essential Items to Keep in Your Car

The Midwest is bracing for an early winter arrival, with weather experts predicting icy conditions along major routes, including I-90 and I-39.

This corridor, which runs through northern Illinois and into southern Wisconsin, is especially prone to black ice—an invisible hazard that has led to dangerous pile-ups in past years.

READ MORE: Hearing 'Code Brown' in Illinois Means You Should Run, Call 911

If you're planning to travel during the winter months, even a short distance, there are some things you'll want to keep close to keep safe.

Here’s a list of essential items every Illinois and Wisconsin resident should keep in their vehicle for winter. This list includes items that are practical for both everyday commutes and longer trips, covering general winter conditions with a few compact, high-tech options: