Winter Storm Safety: Why Drivers Should Remove Certain Items From Their Cars During Extreme Cold

A powerful winter storm has recently swept across parts of the Northeastern United States, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and widespread travel disruptions. As blizzard warnings and winter weather advisories remain in effect in several areas, public officials are urging residents to limit travel and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), intense snowfall combined with strong winds can significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. In past major winter events, certain areas of New York, New Jersey, and surrounding states have experienced snowfall totals exceeding 18 inches, leading to travel bans and airport shutdowns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and flight-tracking data providers such as FlightAware have previously reported thousands of flight cancellations during severe winter storms, particularly in major hubs including New York City and Boston.

While much attention focuses on road conditions and power outages, safety experts are also highlighting lesser-known risks associated with leaving certain electronic devices inside vehicles during extreme cold. One item in particular has raised concern: battery-powered vaping devices.

How Extreme Cold Affects Electronic Devices in Vehicles

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in e-cigarettes and other portable electronics, are sensitive to temperature changes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and battery manufacturers consistently warn that extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—can impact battery performance and safety.

When exposed to freezing conditions, lithium-ion batteries can experience temporary capacity loss and reduced efficiency. According to guidance from battery safety experts and manufacturers, charging a lithium-ion battery while it is still below freezing temperature can increase the risk of malfunction. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that charging lithium-ion batteries outside recommended temperature ranges may damage internal components.

In the case of vaping devices, which rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, extreme cold may affect both the battery and the internal liquid cartridge. If a device is left in a vehicle overnight during freezing temperatures and then immediately charged or used without gradually warming to room temperature, it may not function properly.

Why Vaping Devices May Pose Additional Risks

Vaping devices contain two primary components that can be impacted by freezing conditions: the lithium-ion battery and the e-liquid solution.

Battery Safety Considerations
If a lithium-ion battery becomes extremely cold, internal resistance can increase. Charging the battery before it returns to a normal operating temperature can stress the battery cells. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has published guidance indicating that improper charging of lithium-ion batteries is one of the most common contributors to battery-related incidents.

While severe malfunctions are relatively rare when products are used correctly, experts consistently emphasize the importance of following manufacturer instructions and avoiding charging damaged or temperature-stressed devices.

E-Liquid Stability in Cold Temperatures
E-liquids typically contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine (in many cases). According to chemical property data, these substances can thicken in cold environments. Thickened liquid may not vaporize efficiently and, in some cases, may cause minor leaks if seals are compromised.

Although there is limited peer-reviewed research on cold-related leakage in vaping devices specifically, consumer safety guidance from product manufacturers advises users to store devices within recommended temperature ranges and inspect for leaks before use.

Official Recommendations for Safe Storage

Consumer safety authorities and manufacturers generally recommend the following precautions during extreme winter weather:

Remove battery-powered devices from vehicles whenever possible.
If removal is not practical, store them in insulated compartments rather than leaving them exposed on seats or dashboards.
Allow devices that have been exposed to freezing temperatures to return gradually to room temperature before charging or operating.
Inspect for visible damage, swelling, or leakage before use.
Use only manufacturer-approved charging equipment.

These steps align with broader lithium-ion battery safety recommendations issued by the CPSC and NFPA.

Winter Storm Conditions and Travel Disruptions

Severe winter storms can create widespread disruption across transportation systems. During major Northeast blizzards in recent years, airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport have experienced large-scale delays and cancellations.

Flight-tracking data from FlightAware has documented more than 5,000 U.S. flight cancellations in a single day during intense winter weather events. Snow accumulation on runways, de-icing delays, and high winds contribute to operational slowdowns.

On roadways, heavy snowfall combined with drifting snow can create whiteout conditions. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as sustained winds or frequent gusts of at least 35 mph combined with falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to one-quarter mile or less for at least three hours. Under such conditions, even experienced drivers are advised to remain off the roads unless travel is essential.

State transportation departments across the Northeast routinely issue advisories urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during active storm warnings.

Vaping Prevalence in the United States

Public health data provides context for why winter storage safety matters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarette use among adults in the United States remains significant. Recent national surveys indicate that approximately 5% to 8% of U.S. adults report current e-cigarette use, depending on the survey year.

Gallup polling has similarly found that adult vaping rates have remained within a comparable range in recent years. Among adolescents, the CDC’s National Youth Tobacco Survey has shown fluctuations in teen vaping rates over time. While earlier years saw sharp increases, more recent data indicates declines from peak levels reported in 2019.

Given the widespread use of these devices, safe handling and storage during extreme weather is relevant to millions of Americans.

Why Vehicles Are Vulnerable During Winter Storms

Cars parked outdoors during blizzards can experience rapid temperature drops, particularly overnight. Even when daytime temperatures hover near freezing, interior vehicle temperatures can fall well below 32°F (0°C) after prolonged exposure.

Electronic devices left inside vehicles—including smartphones, laptops, power banks, and vaping devices—are subject to these temperature swings. Automakers and consumer electronics manufacturers alike caution against leaving battery-powered products in extreme cold for extended periods.

In addition to battery performance concerns, freezing temperatures can affect plastics and seals. Prolonged exposure may increase brittleness, which could compromise device integrity over time.

Practical Winter Vehicle Safety Tips

Beyond device storage, safety officials recommend several steps to prepare vehicles during severe winter storms:

Keep fuel tanks at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-up.
Carry an emergency kit including blankets, water, flashlight, and a phone charger.
Ensure tires are properly inflated and rated for winter conditions when possible.
Clear snow and ice from exhaust pipes before starting a vehicle.
Monitor local weather alerts from trusted sources such as the National Weather Service.

These recommendations are regularly reinforced by state departments of transportation and emergency management agencies during major winter events.

Small Precautions Can Reduce Risk

While winter storms already pose significant risks to transportation and infrastructure, avoidable hazards can be minimized with awareness. Removing temperature-sensitive devices from vehicles is a simple precaution that aligns with established lithium-ion battery safety guidance.

Experts emphasize that most battery-related incidents occur when products are damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme conditions outside manufacturer recommendations. Taking a few moments to bring devices indoors during freezing weather can reduce the likelihood of malfunction.

As winter weather continues to affect parts of the United States, staying informed and following official safety guidance remains the most effective way to protect both personal safety and property.

Sources

National Weather Service – Blizzard Definition and Winter Storm Safety Guidance
Federal Aviation Administration – Winter Weather Travel Advisories
FlightAware – U.S. Flight Cancellation Data
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
National Fire Protection Association – Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Information
U.S. Department of Energy – Lithium-Ion Battery Temperature Guidelines
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – E-Cigarette Use Data
Gallup – U.S. Vaping Trends Polling Data