The East Coast is battling an epic storm, but what might be even more alarming is its name — the bomb cyclone — which is its actual name, and not something from the plotline of the "The Day After Tomorrow". As life imitates art (we use the term art loosely here), the non-Hollywood version of this blizzard is also wreaking havoc on the Eastern Seaboard, shutting down schools, airports and ferries in New York and other eastern cities.
Related: Winter Is Coming; Is Your Car Ready?
The National Weather Service says that residents of the Mid-Atlantic coast should be prepared today for heavy snow, winds, brutal cold and even flooding. 's editors — Midwestern veterans of the Polar Vortex and Snowpocalypse — can help you get ready and stay ready.
First, before you head out, make sure your car is stocked in case of emergency. When you're ready to hit the road, know how to safely remove snow and ice from your car. Summer will eventually arrive — we promise — and no one needs a scratched paint job to remind them of those long-ago bomb cyclone days.
But wait ... you park outside? Your car is likely stuck in a pile of snow or on a patch of ice. Now what do you do? The first thing you shouldn't do is floor the gas pedal and spin the tires until you smell rubber burning. Instead, follow these tips to free your car.
If your car is resisting the cold as much as the rest of us, it might need a jump. Once you're on your way, drive with extra caution, as ice and snow reduce traction and can make driving dangerous. Follow these guidelines for navigating icy roads safely.
Lastly, if your car is equipped with rear-wheel drive, well, turn it off and go back inside ... or follow these tips to make sure you leave the fishtailing to the mermaids and all four wheels on the road in snow and ice.
Our instructional videos can also help:
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