We've had near record highs this week. I realize at this very moment, winter may be the last thing on your mind. I know... I feel you.

It's still important to prepare, and I have some winter MUSTS you'll want to stock up on.

READ MORE: A Popular Chicken Restaurant Set to Open Iowa Location

With the potential for a snowy La Nina winter, it wouldn't hurt to start following this guide now.

Your Iowa Winter Survival Kit

Everything you could possibly need is on store shelves now. While you're friends are thinking of the holidays, you can get a leg up by grabbing all these essentials!

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And if you think the stores cannot run out, it's not my fault when you're crying because you're snowed in without some of the crucial elements from the list below.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
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So, what are you waiting for? Winter? Let's go!

Let's dive in and take a look at some crucial winter essentials for this upcoming Iowa winter.

READ MORE: Can This Bug Predict an Iowa Winter?

If you are in doubt that you need any of the items below, just scroll through photos on your phone from past winters. That should jog your memory of what's to come.

It's time... check out your essential Iowa winter survival kit!

What You Need in Your Iowa Winter Survival Kit

These are all essentials... Stock up now!

Gallery Credit: Johnny Marks

Before the snow flies, or even after, here are some amazing small-town restaurants you should check out and support! Bon appetite! Let us know if you think we missed any.

Iowans Name Their Favorite Small Town Restaurants

I asked Iowans on Facebook what their favorite small town Eastern Iowa restaurant is, and there were some great suggestions! According to Google, a town is considered "small" when it has 5,000 people or less. Our list includes restaurants in towns that have a population of 7,000 or less, and some of them have MUCH less! Here are 20 recommendations from folks in Eastern Iowa:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin